HEATHROW FLIES 'BUSIEST EVER' FIRST HALF IN 2018

HEATHROW AIRPORT has reported its busiest ever first half of the year with 38.1 million passengers passing through the airport up to the end of June. It is a boost of 2.5% year on year, with growth across all markets.

Four new connections to China in 2018 helped trade through the airport grow 2.2%. As traffic grows, passengers are also spending more in Heathrow's retail outlets, with growth 4.8% higher, pushing revenues up 2.3% to £1,405 million.

Nearly £1 billion in global financing has been raised in 2018 to invest in the airport and after nearly £6million of investment, Heathrow has also installed sustainable transport options providing the airport with the densest electrical charging network in Europe.

The results follow the news of government support for runway expansion at the airport, hailed as an "historic moment" by ministers.

Heathrow is now reviewing over 100 ideas from UK businesses and entrepreneurs to help deliver the project more innovatively, sustainably and affordably.