Heathrow on target for good 2025 despite Q1 traffic dip

London’s Heathrow Airport today insisted that it has enjoyed a “strong start to 2025” despite its Q1 passenger numbers falling by 300,000 on the corresponding period a year ago.

The dip, of course, was effectively down to the power outage on March 21 that led to more than 1,400 flights being cancelled, ultimately affecting around 250,000 passengers.

On the plus side, Heathrow notes that ‘punctuality’ is now close to record highs with over 81% of flights leaving on-time, nearly 99% of bags travelling on their flights as expected and 97% of passengers waiting less than five minutes at security.

It adds that the growing range of destinations served this summer means that Heathrow is the world’s most connected airport.

Couple standing at a window at the gate, taking picture of an aeroplane.

As a result, it predicts that the outlook for 2025 remains consistent with the forecasts published in its Investor Report late last year, which states that it expects overall passenger demand in 2025 to exceed 2024.

The airport notes that it is working hard to secure planning permission for its runway to be operational by 2032, and that the new addition would “boost competition and choice for consumers, drive economic growth for the UK and improve operational resilience at the UK’s hub airport”.

Heathrow’s chief financial officer, Sally Ding, describes 2025 as a pivotal year for Heathrow as it finalises its business plan for the next five years and submits its proposals to government to unlock new capacity at the gateway.

“Our focus on steadily improving operational performance is yielding results, and our future plans will enable us to deliver better value and more growth for our customers and the country,” said Ding.