Heathrow Airport sees busiest August on record

Heathrow Airport saw its busiest August on record this year, new figures show.

Airport operator BAA revealed that the London hub handled a total of 6.4 million passengers last month, representing a 0.3 per cent increase on August 2008.

There was a 19 per cent increase in traffic to India during the month, a trend that highlights the importance of long-haul markets to UK business and society, according to BAA.

It was also revealed that people flying from London Heathrow are cutting back on business travel more than leisure trips.

Colin Matthews, chief executive of BAA, said: "Heathrow's traffic performance in July and August was good. The airport benefits from being the hub of a strong international route network, which is important both socially and economically.

"However, industry conditions remain difficult. A continuation of the improving trend at Heathrow depends on business travellers re-establishing face-to-face contact with global markets."

Overall, the operator's seven UK airports handled some 14.4 million passengers in August.

Edinburgh Airport's traffic figures rose by 4.8 per cent, which was the fifth consecutive monthly increase at the base, while at Gatwick Airport European scheduled traffic climbed 5.6 per cent year-on-year.

Posted by Kate, 14 September 2009 12:46

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