Approximately 6.6 million passengers passed through Heathrow in September 2013, up 3.4% on the previous year, according to the latest figures. The average number of passengers on each flight rose to 164, up 1.5%.

On a market basis, traffic to China and India was up 13.4% and 12.3% respectively. Overall traffic to the BRICs was up 5.3% on the previous year.

Heathrow CEO Colin Matthews said: “We are delighted to welcome Philippine Airlines to our family of carriers. But because Heathrow is full, it can take many years to achieve new routes like this one.

“Linking British businesses to trading opportunities in key emerging markets is vital, and without a larger hub airport the UK can expect to fall behind in the global race for trade, jobs and economic growth.” Matthews added.

September saw the announcement of a new 5-times a week link between Heathrow and the Philippines from November, the first in over a decade.