In the latest news, the operator of London Heathrow Airport has confirmed that it will lift the cap on airline operations through the airport from 30 October.
Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) introduced the cap following major delays and cancellations to airport services as it struggled to meet fast-growing passenger demand at the height of the post-pandemic period.
The airport has also come under pressure this year due to delays in cargo handling and the threat of industrial action.
Heathrow handled 18 million passengers this summer, more than any other European hub, according to HAL, although it said – during the blockade – it was hit harder than its European rivals.
John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s chief executive, commented. We have removed the summer cap and are working with airlines and their ground staff to restore full capacity at peak times as soon as possible”.
Looking ahead, the operator noted that while demand is getting stronger, it has not yet fully recovered to pre-Covid levels.
HAL forecasts that total passenger numbers will reach 60 to 62 million in 2022, some 25 percent less than in pre-pandemic 2019.
In addition, headwinds from the global economic crisis, the war in Ukraine, and the impact of Covid-19 mean that a return to pre-pandemic demand is unlikely for several years, except at peak times.
“Our top priority is to re-establish the airport ecosystem to meet peak demand,” a statement from HAL said.
“To do this, businesses across the airport will need to recruit and train up to 25,000 security cleared personnel – a huge logistical challenge.”
It said its balance sheet remained “solid” despite the losses. Underlying losses so far this year have risen to £400 million (US$460 million), adding to the £4 billion (US$4.6 billion) sustained in the previous two years.
HAL said it had taken “responsible steps to protect liquidity and cash flow in the face of uncertain markets and to reduce gearing”.
Heathrow said it would aggressively expand its business and actively engage with Chinese freight forwarders and various other airfreight operations to change the situation, despite the huge challenges it faces.
