HEATHROW EYES BUSIEST CHRISTMAS IN THREE YEARS

HEATHROW will not limit the number of passengers who can use it this festive season as it gears up for its ‘biggest Christmas in three years’, airport chiefs have said.

The west London airport dealt with 5.9m passengers in October, which is 84pc of 2019 levels, and a total of 50m passengers so far this year, which is 74pc of 2019 levels.

Heathrow said it will not need to impose a capacity cap to limit passenger numbers as it has worked with airlines and ground handlers ahead of the Christmas peak and has ‘a good plan’ in place. Chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: ‘Heathrow, our airline partners and their handlers are all working together to make sure everyone can be reunited with their loved ones this Christmas.’

Passengers were also warned there is a threat of strikes at a number of organisations, including action from the national Border Force, which could hamper travel plans.

Heathrow said it is working with organisations on plans to minimise any impact and is encouraging all parties to put passengers first.