In March 2025, Heathrow Airport welcomed over 6.2 million passengers. This was a slight dip compared to 2024, influenced by the timing of Ramadan and a later Easter. Both of these events shifted travel patterns.
A 10-hour closure due to a power supply failure, caused by a major fire at National Grid and SSEN’s North Hyde substation, also impacted operations.
Despite these challenges, Heathrow remains a vital hub for UK travel and trade.
Cargo Growth in March
The airport handled more than 144,000 tonnes of cargo in March, marking a robust 4% year-on-year increase in cargo transported in the belly hold of passenger flights.
Mother’s Day proved a peak period, with an estimated 2,800 tonnes of flowers imported before the celebrations. This growth highlights Heathrow’s role in supporting UK businesses and global trade.
Network Additions
Heathrow is expanding its global reach with eight new and resumed routes. Airlines like Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, and British Airways are introducing flights to key destinations. These notably including Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Ottawa (Canada), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
These routes connect travelers to vibrant capital cities and boost economic ties.
Travelers can now explore four UNESCO World Heritage sites across three continents directly from Heathrow.
New routes include Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, Santiago de Compostela’s Old Town, Ravenna’s Early Christian Monuments (via Rimini), and Georgia’s Historic Monuments of Mtskheta (via Tbilisi).
The Tbilisi route is particularly noteworthy, marking the first Heathrow flight to this destination in a decade.
Easter Travel Surge
Looking ahead, Heathrow expects a surge in passengers as families reunite for Easter and take advantage of the May bank holidays.
The airport is gearing up for a busy spring, with staff preparing to ensure smooth operations during these peak travel periods.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye commented on the monthly performance. “We’re thrilled to see strong travel demand at Heathrow. While passenger numbers dipped slightly due to holiday shifts, our 4% growth in belly hold cargo underscores our importance as the UK’s gateway to growth.”
“We’re on track for another record-breaking year in 2025, and our teams are ready for a bustling Easter and May bank holiday season.” With new routes, thriving cargo operations, and a focus on passenger experience, Heathrow continues to connect the UK to the world, driving economic growth and travel experiences.
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The post Heathrow Airport Sees New Routes and Strong Cargo Growth in March appeared first on AviationSource News.