A total of 35.7 million passengers used Heathrow in first six months of 2016, up 0.6 per cent from the same period of last year.

At the same time, cargo volumes increased 1.7 per cent.

John Holland-Kaye, chief executive officer of Heathrow, said: “As the UK’s biggest port, we are supporting businesses from every corner of Britain to get their products to global markets, with cargo volumes up by almost 2 per cent.”

Strong financial performance was also recorded at the airport, with revenue up one per cent to £1,320 million and Adjusted EBITDA up 4.4 per cent to £781 million.

The results reflect lower costs and better value, according to the airport.

“Now Britain needs a positive post-Brexit plan and only Heathrow expansion will help Britain to be one of the world’s leading trading nations – connecting all of Britain to global growth,” added Holland-Kaye.

“Heathrow has a new plan for expansion, allowing the prime minister to make the right choice in the national interest.”