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Heathrow Airport Bounces Back: Passenger Numbers Reach Post-Covid High

After a challenging period brought on by the global pandemic, London Heathrow Airport is once again buzzing with activity. This past May, the airport welcomed 5.3 million travelers—its highest number since the onset of Covid-19. That’s about 79% of pre-pandemic levels and represents an eight-fold increase compared to May 2021.

With international travel restrictions easing, more people are feeling confident to fly again. Heathrow’s CEO is optimistic about continued growth, expecting more passengers to return in the coming months.

As the UK’s largest airport and the busiest in Europe by passenger traffic, Heathrow plays a vital role in global travel. It’s also the world’s second busiest airport for international travelers, serving as a major gateway to and from the UK. Located in West London’s Hillingdon borough, just 16 nautical miles from Central London, Heathrow is one of six major international airports serving the city. Its airport code, LHR, is a nod to its proximity to Charing Cross—London’s traditional center point.

While Heathrow continues to be a preferred destination for travelers looking to fly directly into London, the airport has made strategic changes to improve sustainability and efficiency. Some short-haul routes have been cut to reduce environmental impact and streamline operations.

Even with the sharp dip in travel during the height of the pandemic—when passenger numbers plummeted by over 90%—Heathrow is proving its resilience. In May, more than 90% of passengers were able to clear security within just 10 minutes, demonstrating the airport’s readiness to accommodate growing crowds once again.

As global travel continues to rebound, Heathrow is well-positioned to reconnect travelers with destinations across the world—safely, efficiently, and sustainably.