Heathrow Airport’s cargo volumes have grown three per cent to 1.54 million tonnes in 2016 driven by trade with emerging market destinations.

In December, cargo was up 5.1 per cent to 133,641 tonnes driven by growth in emerging markets, with Brazil up 18.6 per cent, India by 12.1 per cent and China by 8.3 per cent.

Heathrow Airport chief executive officer, John Holland-Kaye says: “Whether it was welcoming back a triumphant Team GB from Rio or giving that special Heathrow service to a record number of passengers, increasing Britain’s trade with the rest of the world or securing Government support for expansion.”

“Heathrow is Britain’s airport and we will continue to help all of our country thrive for decades to come.”