Heathrow Airport sees first small profit since 2019 in December 2023 results

Heathrow sees first small profit since 2019.

Heathrow Airport flies high in 2023 with much improved service and strong growth – 2023 was a strong year for Heathrow, with passenger numbers recovering to 79.2 million, the third highest year in Heathrow’s history.

Heathrow Airport’s hub outperformed all other European hubs by being rated as the “best airport in Europe”, claimed the title of the world’s “most connected” hub and broke into the top five largest airports in the world. These achievements are a great credit to the teamwork and commitment of colleagues across Team Heathrow and set a strong foundation for 2024 as they attempt to welcome a record 81.4 million – more passengers than ever before. 

Small adjusted profit recorded for the first time since 2019

A strong Q4 performance helped the airport reach their first adjusted profit in four years with £38 million adjusted profit before tax. Heathrow’s balance sheet remains strong, with gearing below pre-pandemic levels and £3.8 billion of liquidity. Airport charges were reduced by 20% in real terms at the start of 2024 in line with the CAA’s H7 settlement, which means maintaining even a small profit will require us to close a £400 million gap with efficiencies and investment trade-offs over the next three years. Heathrow Airport are finalising a refreshed business strategy, which will be shared in the months ahead. No dividends were paid in 2023, and none are currently forecast for 2024, although it is plausible subject to financial performance. Heathrow Airport will continue to review optionality through the year. 

New investments to improve service and boost resilience 

Behind-the-scenes investments are underway across the airport to boost passenger experience and operational resilience. Heathrow Airport are upgrading 146 security lanes as part of their £1 billion investment in next generation security equipment, and have appointed a lead contractor to replace the T2 baggage system. 

Sustainability remains at the heart of Heathrow

 Significant strides were made towards Heathrow 2.0 commitments, including launching the Giving Back Programme which will deliver activities to nearly 100,000 local people. Record amounts of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) were used at Heathrow during 2023, including powering the inaugural 100% SAF transatlantic flight, and the airport is committed to incentivising the use of up to 155,000 tonnes of SAF in 2024. 

Ministers should use the Spring Budget to stand up for Britain 

UK consumers will pay more to travel in the future if Ministers do not speed up the delivery of a domestic SAF industry, and the Chancellor makes the UK a magnet for international tourism spend by levelling the playing field with the UK’s European rivals and bringing back tax free shopping. The Spring Budget should not miss the chance to deliver change on both of these key issues for the economy. 

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said:

“2023 was a good year for Heathrow from a challenging start to a great finish – We delivered much improved service for our customers, and managed to turn a small profit after three consecutive years of losses. That’s a great platform to build on, although  in 2024, we are expected to deliver even further improved service to more passengers, but with airport charges cut by 20% in real terms. We will have to pull every lever to become more efficient and make tough choices on where we spend and invest our money to overcome the huge cost challenge set by the CAA and remain profitable over the next three years.”