Heathrow Faces Growth Challenges Despite Record Passenger Numbers

The airport reached a record 83.9 million passengers in 2024 but warns of stagnation due to capacity limits and uncertainty over a third runway.

Heathrow Airport recorded its busiest year in 2024 with 83.9 million passengers, surpassing its pre-pandemic peak in 2019.
Despite the record, Heathrow forecasts only a modest 0.4% growth in passenger numbers for 2025, citing capacity constraints as a major limitation.
The airport is nearing its government-imposed cap of 480,000 annual flights, with little room for further expansion without additional infrastructure.
Plans for a third runway remain uncertain, as Heathrow's leadership has called for stronger government support before proceeding with the project.
Other UK airports, such as Manchester and Stansted, experienced stronger growth rates in 2024, highlighting the competitive pressures Heathrow faces.