Record day at Heathrow

HEATHROW recorded its busiest ever departures day last month ahead of a Commons vote on the third runway.

More than 136,000 passengers boarded flights from the west London hub on Good Friday as holidaymakers jetted off during half term.

A total of 6.5 million passengers travelled through the airport in March, up 5.5 per cent year-on-year.

Emerging destinations were some of the best performers, as the airport reported 12 per cent growth in African markets and 11 per cent to the Middle East.

It is estimated that Heathrow’s expansion will mean 260,000 more flights and last month the Commons’ Transport Select Committee called on MPs to support the expansion project once concerns over air quality, noise, connectivity and airport charges have been addressed.