Heathrow enjoyed its 22nd consecutive record month of growth in August, as over 7.5 million passengers travelled through the airport.

Passenger numbers were 2.6 per cent higher than the same time last year, bolstered by the August bank holiday and passengers returning at the end of the summer season.

August was the second busiest month in Heathrow’s history, with 15 separate days where the airport welcomed over 250,000 passengers.

August 31st stood out as the busiest day ever for arrivals - as 137,303 passengers arrived at Heathrow.

Heathrow chief executive, John Holland-Kaye, said: “August has been another stellar month for Heathrow with passenger numbers and freight volumes continuing to reach unprecedented heights.”

Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick’s cargo traffic soared in August, up 22.3 per cent year-on-year, as long-haul routes continued to drive growth.

Gatwick’s long-haul network grew by 18 per cent compared with the same month last year.

In what was the airport’s busiest August on record, overall passenger numbers were up 0.4 per cent and the announcement of a new connection to Shanghai with China Eastern – set to provide over 3,700 extra tonnes of cargo capacity - brought Gatwick’s long-haul network to a total of 64 routes.

The airport now serves 241 destinations across the globe, with several US cities seeing some of the highest year-on-year growth in August.

Stewart Wingate, chief executive at Gatwick Airport, said: “As we reach the end of Gatwick’s busiest summer to date, August’s traffic figures are extremely encouraging, particularly within our long-haul network.

“Our ongoing cargo success story is being driven by the soaring long-haul growth, and highlights the crucial role we play for our local and national economies.

“This will be critical in supporting the country post-Brexit, and we’re continuing to explore the best and most sustainable ways that Gatwick can grow so that the UK can reap the benefits of greater global connectivity.”

Luton Airport

London Luton Airport welcomed 1.7 million passengers in August, a 3.1 per cent increase on last year and the culmination of a record summer period during which almost five million passengers travelled through LLA over three months.

Last month was LLA’s busiest-ever August and the 19th consecutive month that over one million passengers have travelled through the airport.

Flights were also busier than ever with an average of 93.4 per cent seats sold on every flight, an increase on August last year.

Among the busiest flights were those to Paphos, Venice and Tenerife.

Nick Barton, chief executive of LLA, said: “The ease, speed and simplicity of travelling through LLA has contributed to a record summer at the airport, as well as the wide range of destinations we offer.

“Our transformation is nearly complete and will continue to support our growth.”