[title]
2024 was a big year for plane travel in London. Heathrow broke an impressive record, beating its pre-pandemic levels with 83.9 million passengers passing through. And Stansted saw its busiest year ever, welcoming almost 30 million travellers. Now it’s been revealed that London Heathrow (LHR) was the world’s fourth busiest airport in 2024.
A report by OAG has revealed the busiest global airports on the planet in 2024, and Heathrow is in fourth place. Last year, LHR saw 51.5 million seats on aeroplanes booked from the airport, a four percent increase from 2023. Heathrow was also the busiest airport in Europe, with only one other European hub making it into the top 10: Istanbul, which came in eighth.
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) retained its title as the world’s busiest global airport, with 62.7 million seats taken up in 2024. Heathrow was also beaten by Dubai and Tokyo airports, which saw 60 million and 55 million seats filled, respectively. The ranking of the top five busiest airports worldwide didn’t change from 2023 to 2024.
Around the world, plane travel is not only back to its pre-pandemic levels, but in many places is exceeding its 2019 numbers. And London’s airports are only going to get better. Heathrow’s record-breaking year comes after it announced a £2.3 billion plan to ‘improve passenger experience’ at the hub, which will include better sustainability, and improved baggage scanners. Plus, did you see plans to build a £10 billion train line connecting London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports in just 15 minutes?
Why are the Earl’s Court development plans getting so many objections from locals?
This iconic central London bridge is being restored, with works starting this week.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.