Heathrow Airport has reported passenger numbers jumped in January as appetite for travel appears to remain strong despite geopolitical tensions and cost of living pressures.
Just shy of six million people passed through the UK’s busiest airport over the month, Heathrow updated on Monday, marking a 9.4% increase on January last year.
The majority of passengers were headed for European Union countries, followed by those on their way to North America, with the numbers of each both climbing nearly 10% year-on-year.
Passengers bound for the Asia-Pacific region jumped by 18.3% to 905,000 people meanwhile.
The number headed to the Middle East also climbed by over 10% to 708,000, despite heightened tensions in the region since the outbreak of war in Gaza in October.
"The year has got off to a strong start,” chief executive Thomas Woldbye commented, “we are ready for the first passenger peak of the year, with February half term fast approaching.
“Whether you are travelling to ski, soak up the sun, or visit friends and family, Heathrow has you covered.”
Cargo shipments also grew throughout January, with 122,255 tonnes worth of shipments passing through the airport during the month - up 20.2% on last year.
Despite the growth, Heathrow warned the likes of tourist and value-added taxes were deterring international business.
“While exports are thriving, Britain has shut the door on homegrown growth,” the airport added in Monday’s statement.
“Heathrow has joined forces with the British Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses to make the case for an internationally competitive tax-free shopping incentive at the spring budget.”
Shares in International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (LSE:IAG), which owns Heathrow’s largest operator British Airways, climbed 1.22% to 145.55p on the news.