Heathrow Sets Record January as CEO Warns Europe Lead at Risk Without Third Runway

Overview

• In January 2026, Heathrow handled 6.5 million passengers, its busiest January on record and up roughly 2% year on year.
• Chief executive Thomas Woldbye said Heathrow may lose its status as Europe’s busiest airport in 2026 without added capacity.
• Heathrow’s expansion has shifted from a pause into a preparatory phase following the government’s late‑2025 backing of the Northwest Runway.
• The Department for Transport plans a draft Airports National Policy Statement in summer, the CAA will set a long‑term charges model, and Parliament faces an autumn vote on the final policy.
• Heathrow processed 84.5 million passengers in 2025, narrowly ahead of Istanbul’s 84.4 million, underscoring capacity constraints and intensifying competition.