Heathrow records highest February passenger numbers
The west London airport said 5.8 million people travelled through its terminals last month.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Heathrow Airport recorded its busiest February for passenger numbers as demand for air travel exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
The west London airport said 5.8 million people travelled through its terminals last month.
It stated it achieved its highest February total even before the extra day due to this year being a leap year.
The airport recorded 5.2 million passengers during the same month last year, and 5.5 million in February 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic.
It was wonderful to welcome so many passengers for the first holiday peak of 2024
More than two million passengers travelled through Heathrow during the February half-term school holiday, with winter sun holidays more popular than ski trips.
Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye warned the Treasury’s failure to reintroduce tax-free shopping for tourists buying goods in the UK last week was a “missed opportunity”.
He said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many passengers for the first holiday peak of 2024, setting a new Heathrow record.
“While we are serving more people, visitors to the UK are spending less since the removal of tax-free shopping, impacting businesses across the country.
“The spring Budget was a missed opportunity to give the whole tourism, hospitality and retail sector the support it needs to compete internationally.”