Yahoo Finance Heathrow records busiest month since start of pandemic
Britain's biggest airport has recorded its busiest month since the start of the coronavirus pandemic as passenger numbers at Heathrow Airport bounced back thanks to the easing of restrictions.
Heathrow was used by 4.2 million passengers in March, nearly an eight-fold increase on the total during the same time period last year. It was used by 5.4 million people in February 2020 at the onset of the pandemic.
Demand was driven by a strong recovery in outbound leisure travel, but it said that inbound leisure and business travel remained weak due to high levels of infections and testing requirements for travellers leaving the country.
The London transport hub warned it was unclear whether the current surge in holiday demand was sustainable due to concerns over new variants, high fuel prices and a cost of living rise.
Despite the pickup in passengers, Heathrow slipped from the second busiest airport for international travel before the pandemic to number seven in 2021.
Airports Council International said the hub was used by 17.6 million international passengers last year, down 77% on the total for 2019. Istanbul airport, Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Doha were the five airports that overtook Heathrow in 2021. Dubai topped the list.
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The results follow a chaotic few weeks at UK airports amid airline cancellations and delays.
British Airways and easyJet (EZJ.L) grounded at least 90 flights between them on Monday, with their main bases, London Heathrow and London Gatwick, most affected.
Heathrow is one of a number of UK airports that have struggled with staff absences and higher demand. It plans to increase resources as soon as possible, with 12,000 new starters planned across the airport.
It warned there was "congestion in check-in areas at peak times" as "half of global markets" still require passengers to pass coronavirus checks such as testing and vaccination status.
Those departing the UK were advised to check with their airline to confirm when they should arrive at the airport.
Chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: "It is fantastic to see the airport coming back to life after two years, and I want to thank all team Heathrow colleagues for working together to serve our passengers.
"Everyone at Heathrow is doing everything we can to make sure passengers get on their way as smoothly and safely as possible."
