London Heathrow Airport (LHR) had its busiest December ever, with London’s principal airport concluding 2024 with a record-breaking 83.9 million passengers.
Record-breaking year-end
On January 13, the airport revealed that more over 7 million people passed through it in December, making it the busiest December ever. As a result, London Heathrow will host 83.9 million travelers in 2024, up 3 million from 2019.
The airport also stated that on Christmas Day, December 25, traditionally one of the quietest travel days, it welcomed 160,000 people, a 13% increase year on year (YoY).
Heathrow Airport’s CEO, Thomas Woldbye, described 2024 as an exciting year for the airport. Woldbye joined the airport as CEO in October 2023, having previously served as chief executive of Copenhagen Airport (CPH) for more than 12 years.
“In 2025, our journey towards better value for our customers will continue by investing in the kind of facilities our passengers and airlines are looking for. We aim to become more innovative to ensure that our airport delivers for the whole of the UK.”
Most popular destinations
London Heathrow said that New York, Los Angeles, Dublin, and Madrid were some of the most popular destinations in 2024, “as the airport maintained its status as the most connected airport in the world.”
Dublin Airport (DUB) and Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) are home to Aer Lingus and Iberia, both of which are members of the International Airlines Group (IAG), which also includes Heathrow-based British Airways.
Meanwhile, OAG, a travel data business, revealed in December that the route between New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Heathrow would be the tenth busiest in 2024. Throughout the year, airlines booked nearly 4 million seats for passengers flying from New York to London.
According to Cirium’s Diio Mi airline planning system, there were 1.1 million seats between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and London-Heathrow, for a total of more than 5.1 million seats between the two airports. This excludes London Gatwick Airport (LGW), which also operates a few transatlantic flights.
In comparison, the busiest international route in 2024 had 6.7 million seats, linking Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).
Even more passengers in 2025
Out of the eight markets whose statistics Heathrow Airport disclosed, only Africa had a worse 2024 than 2023. The remaining markets, notably UK domestic, expanded YoY, with the airport’s overall passenger growth rate of 5.9%.
In 2024, 20.6 million passengers boarded planes from/to North America, up 3.3% from 2023. The figure rose despite the fact that air transport movements in that market fell by 0.2%.
However, the European Union (EU) remained Heathrow Airport’s top market in 2024, with 28.1 million passengers departing and arriving. Non-EU Europe experienced an additional 5.6 million travelers, up 7.4% and 6.1% year on year.
Looking ahead, Heathrow expects to welcome 84.2 million travelers in 2025, with “grey Mondays encouraging holiday bookings,” according to the airport.
FAQ
Why was December the busiest month ever recorded at Heathrow Airport?
December saw a surge in passenger traffic due to holiday travel, easing travel restrictions, and increased international demand.
How many passengers traveled through Heathrow in December?
Heathrow Airport reported a record-breaking number of passengers, with millions traveling during the month. The exact figures will depend on official reports.
What contributed to the rise in passenger numbers?
Factors such as the festive season, recovery in international tourism, and pent-up travel demand contributed to the increase.
Did Heathrow handle the increased passenger volume efficiently?
Yes, Heathrow implemented additional staff and resources to manage the high passenger volume and ensure smooth operations.
What destinations were the most popular in December?
Popular destinations included major international hubs like New York, Dubai, and European cities favored for winter holidays.
How does this passenger record compare to pre-pandemic levels?
December’s passenger numbers surpassed or approached pre-pandemic levels, signaling a strong recovery for Heathrow Airport.
What measures were taken to ensure safety during the busy month?
Heathrow maintained stringent safety and security measures, including health protocols, to accommodate the surge in passengers.
Does this record indicate a full recovery for Heathrow Airport?
The record is a positive sign of recovery, but ongoing monitoring of global travel trends will determine the full rebound.
Were there any challenges during December at Heathrow?
While the airport managed operations efficiently, challenges included managing long queues and ensuring timely departures amid high demand.
What does this mean for future travel at Heathrow Airport?
The record-breaking December indicates strong demand and positions Heathrow for further growth in 2025 and beyond.
