Heathrow Airport has revealed its full results for 2016, which show passenger numbers hit a record 75.7 million (up 1% year-on-year) while passenger charges fell 1%. 

The airport retained its position as Europe’s best hub for the third year running.

Its strong financial performance underpins expansion plans with revenue of £2,807 million (+1.5%) and Adjusted EBITDA of £1,682 million (+4.8%) reflecting continued cost control and strong retail income growth.

Heathrow expansion has also moved into the delivery phase as the Government announced its support for a third runway and launched a 4-month public consultation on a National Policy Statement.

A more resilient UK economy boosted passenger volumes at the end of 2016, with the trend continuing into the early weeks of 2017.

John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow, said: “2016 was a milestone year for Heathrow. I am very proud of what our 76,000 colleagues have achieved.  We gave better service at lower cost to a record number of passengers and helped British businesses across the country trade more with the rest of the world.

“We have started the planning process for expansion and are preparing the skills and the supply chain we will need to build it sustainably and affordably. Heathrow is delivering for Britain.”