A record June at Heathrow helped BAA to enjoy increased passenger numbers at its UK airports last month.
The company’s six airports handled a total of 9.9 million passengers – up 4.4 per cent on the June 2010 total.
Heathrow handled 6.1 million passengers last month, a 6.3 per cent rise on June 2010 and the west London airport’s busiest-ever June.
There was a big rise in the number of people flying to Brazil from Heathrow, while US destinations also did well.
Numbers at BAA’s other major London airport, Stansted, fell 3.3 per cent last month and the Southampton passenger total was 0.8 per cent down, but BAA’s three Scottish airports all saw rises, with Aberdeen up 10.1 per cent, Edinburgh up 7.6 per cent and Glasgow up 2.6 per cent.
BAA chief executive officer Colin Matthews said: “Heathrow’s position as the UK’s only hub airport enables it to benefit from growth in long-haul routes and emerging economies.
“June’s passenger figures are an early indication of a busy summer, and we will focus on delivering the best possible service standards at our most popular time of year.”
There was a 5.2 per cent rise in passenger numbers last month at Gatwick, which was formerly a BAA airport but is now run by US-based investment fund Global Infrastructure Partners.