Heathrow Breaks January Passenger Record but Expansion Remains Critical

Heathrow Airport has started 2026 with record-breaking passenger numbers, yet its leadership has warned that the UK’s largest airport could lose its top position without further expansion.

In January, around 6.5 million passengers passed through the airport, a 2.2% increase compared with the same month last year, making it the busiest January in Heathrow’s history. Several peak days saw over 250,000 travellers, surpassing the previous record of 246,000.

Despite the milestone, Chief Executive Thomas Woldbye emphasised the urgent need for expansion. “We remain Europe’s largest airport, but current trends suggest we may lose that status this year,” he said. “To continue supporting the UK economy, additional capacity is essential. That’s why Heathrow expansion is so critical.”

The expansion project officially moved into a preparatory phase in February 2026, following the government’s endorsement of the Northwest Runway scheme in late 2025. The programme now faces a series of regulatory milestones, including the Department for Transport’s publication of a draft Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) this summer. The ANPS will provide the framework for deciding future airport growth plans, with the final statement returning to Parliament for approval in the autumn.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is also due to determine a long-term model for airport charges, a key factor in Heathrow’s investment decisions for a potential third runway.

However, Heathrow faces financial pressures despite rising passenger numbers. At the end of January, the airport reported that higher employment costs and planned business rate reforms had weighed on revenue, with profits falling 38% over the nine months to October 2025. Woldbye linked the decline directly to government policy affecting operational costs.

Expansion at Heathrow has long been a contentious issue. While Chancellor Rachel Reeves has continued to back the project, arguing it will strengthen Britain’s global business connections, opposition remains. London Mayor Sadiq Khan reiterated his stance last year, citing concerns over noise, air pollution, and climate commitments. “I remain opposed to a new runway at Heathrow because of the severe impact it will have on noise, air pollution, and meeting our climate targets,” he said.

As Heathrow continues to break records and navigate financial and regulatory challenges, the outcome of the expansion debate in 2026 will be pivotal for the airport’s future role in the UK and European aviation network.