Heathrow Airport delivered a robust performance in the first quarter of 2025, driven by resilient passenger demand, operational improvements, and expanding service offerings. The airport recorded £825 million in revenue, a 2.1% increase from £808 million in Q1 2024, with growth attributed to increased long-haul travel and higher property and retail income.
Passenger experience continued to improve, with punctuality at 81%, 99% of baggage arriving with flights, and 97% of travelers clearing security in under 5 minutes. These results helped Heathrow secure the “Best UK Airport” title from Travel Weekly for the fourth consecutive year. In Q1, the airport also launched the first phase of its upgraded VIP service, The Windsor, offering a discreet and luxurious travel experience.
Nine new destinations will debut this summer, including Cancun, Ottawa, and Kuala Lumpur on long-haul routes, and Rimini, Tbilisi, and Santiago de Compostela for short-haul travel, reinforcing Heathrow’s status as the world’s most connected airport.
Adjusted EBITDA rose by 2.5% to £454 million (Q1 2024: £443 million), despite a 1.6% increase in operating costs, which rose to £371 million due to higher expenses related to PRM services, maintenance, utilities, and environmental mitigation. Lower employment costs helped offset some of these increases. On March 7, Heathrow’s parent company, FGP Topco Limited, paid a £250 million dividend, its first in five years.
Looking ahead, Heathrow expects 2025 passenger numbers to surpass 2024 levels. The airport is finalising its H8 business plan (2027–2031), focused on customer outcomes and cost efficiency, and plans to submit it to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) this summer.
Heathrow also continues to progress plans for privately funded expansion, including a potential new runway, targeting operational readiness by 2035, subject to government approval. This development aims to boost national economic growth, expand capacity, and improve resilience.
CFO Sally Ding commented, “2025 will be a pivotal year for Heathrow. Our operational gains are translating into strong performance, and our future-focused plans will help unlock greater value and growth for our customers and the UK economy.”
