2015 was an exceptional year for Heathrow, the airport received its highest passenger service ratings making it the best hub airport in Europe. The number of annual passengers also increased with a whopping 75.0 million passengers flying through Heathrow, representing an increase of 2.2%. Looking at Heathrow’s performance for the financial year 2015, annual revenue totaled £2,765 million, an increase of 2.7% and the EBITDA reached £1,605 million, 3.0% more than the previous year. In the second half of 2015 there was a downward trend in operating costs.
Looking at other significant developments that took place at Heathrow in 2015, the airport was the only one worldwide to sign the Paris Pledge for Action on climate change, indicative of its firm commitment to sustainability and implementing green policies at the airport. In addition to this, Indonesian National Airline Garuda Airlines moved its London services from Gatwick Airport, following Vietnam Airlines and Air China. As it stands, the demand to fly from Heathrow continues to outstrip the supply of slots.
The expansion of Heathrow Airport would ‘give a £211 billion economic boost and see Heathrow become the world’s most sustainable hub airport and the UK the best connected country.’