Heathrow handled a record 39.8 million passengers in the first six months of the year and had its busiest day ever in June.
Passenger numbers were up 7.3% compared to the first six months of 2023.
Sunday 30 June was its busiest day ever, with more than 268,000 passengers and 1,300 flights.
The airport said it has attracted new routes, with high load factors and larger aircraft driving growth, but warned that passengers are being pushed to rival European airports due to ‘bureaucratic tax and border policies’.
In a statement Heathrow said: “We encourage the new Government to back aviation by taking a coordinated approach to policy making that supports the sector’s long-term competitiveness.”
Departure punctuality improved year-on-year to 72.8% in the first six months of 2024 and over 95% passengers passed through security in less than five minutes, it said.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye added: “We are working hard to deliver economic benefits for all of the UK, but this needs to be supported by joined up policy making that prioritises global competitiveness and sustainable growth. We are encouraged by the new Government’s recognition of Heathrow’s role in powering growth across the country, and look forward to working with ministers to ensure we are firing on all cylinders and retain our global standing.”