London's Heathrow Airport, the world's busiest airport for
international passengers, reported its busiest September ever on Monday,
another clear indication that the business travel market is well into its
recovery.
September is one of the heaviest months of the year for
business travelers, and the airport said it was this sector of the market and a
reinstatement of flights pulled by airlines at the height of the recession that
drove the record figures. Passenger numbers hit 6.2 million, 7.6 percent higher
than the same month in 2009.
North American traffic was up 7 percent to 1.4 million, and
New York was the busiest destination, accounting for 242,000 passengers. Next
most popular was Dubai, with 153,000 passengers— emphasizing the growing
influence of Emirates as not only a point-to-point but hub carrier for United
Kingdom-based passengers—and then Dublin, with 135,000.
South America experienced a 16 percent jump in passenger
numbers, while Europe was up 12 percent. Three of the BRIC countries were among
the fastest-growing country markets, with Brazil up 27 percent, China up 10
percent and Russia up 24 percent. However, India was down 0.3 percent.
"Heathrow's record September figures underline that
transport links are vital to our economy," said Colin Matthews, chief
executive of Heathrow owner BAA. "The growth reflects an improved outlook
for our airline customers and an increase in business confidence."
Passengers arriving at Heathrow on Wednesday and Thursday
this week can expect some disruption, owing to industrial action by passport
control staff working for the U.K. Border Agency.
Heathrow's long-term prospects look set to improve after the
British government confirmed earlier this month that it would build a
connection between the airport and the new high-speed rail line being planned
between London and the north of England.