London’s Heathrow Airport has reported its busiest month since the start of the pandemic after travel restrictions were further eased.
The UK’s biggest airport handed 1.5 million passengers in July — up 74% compared with the same month a year ago and its highest monthly passenger numbers since March 2020.
However, passenger numbers are still down over 80% on pre-pandemic July 2019.
Heathrow was previously the busiest airport in Europe but it currently stands in 17th place, with several holiday airports well ahead in passenger numbers, the Independent reports.
The airport welcomed the signs of recovery but said that the cost of Covid-19 testing in the UK remains prohibitive for many travellers.
“Government must now capitalise on the vaccine dividend and seize the opportunity to replace expensive PCR tests with more affordable lateral flow tests,” said Emma Gilthorpe, chief operating officer of Heathrow Airport.
“This will ensure travel remains attainable for hardworking Brits, desperate for well-earned getaways and keen to reunite with loved ones before the summer travel window closes.”
