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Record January passenger numbers for Heathrow as it stakes claim for third runway

January saw a record 5.5m passengers pass through Heathrow Airport, marking the best ever start to the year for Britain’s largest port.

The figures, which represent a 1% rise on last January, come at an opportune moment for the airport as it tries to convince the government about the merits of a third runway.

Growth was driven by a strong showing in emerging markets, with passengers numbers from Mexico (21%), China (16%), Turkey (5.3%) and the Middle East (4%) all showing healthy rises.

It was good news on the cargo front too, with volumes to East Asia rising by 26% compared to last year thanks to new routes such as Vietnam Airlines’ services to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and British Airways’ new flights to Kuala Lumpur.

Heathrow Chief Executive Officer, John Holland-Kaye, commenting on the figures today said: “With record passenger numbers and strong cargo volumes – it’s been a great start to 2016 for the nation’s largest port, Heathrow.

“With expansion, we’ll open up 40 new trading links which will carry more British exports to the fastest growing markets in the world.

“We’ll help the Government rebalance our economy and build a better Britain. The Prime Minister can say yes and we will deliver.”

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