Heathrow Airport (LHR) handled almost £300bn of trade throughout 2025, more than a quarter of all UK trade by value.
The UK airport handled £293bn worth of goods in 2025, according to the latest Government trade data.
LHR’s air cargo volumes in 2025 were up 0.8% year on year to 1.5m tonnes in 2025, helped by a large rise in UK volumes.
Around £166bn worth of goods arrived at the airport in 2025, while approximately £127bn worth of goods were exported from the airport in 2025, a press release by Heathrow Airport on 8 April shows.
On average, a Heathrow flight carries around £600,000 of cargo.
As the UK’s only hub airport, Heathrow has a unique role in supporting global trade, said the airport.
More than 90% of the airport’s trade by value is with non-EU countries, highlighting its role in linking international markets.
Government data also shows Heathrow dominates the UK’s air cargo sector, with around 75% of all UK air cargo by value moving through the airport.
But Heathrow is operating at capacity and expansion is crucial, stressed the airport.
In November last year, Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL) scheme for a new runway at the airport was selected by the government. The plans include a 3.5 km runway and building a tunnel under the development through which the M25 motorway will run.
James Golding, head of cargo and airline partnerships at Heathrow, said: “This data shows how vital the airport is to exporters, manufacturers and supply chains across the country.
“From life-saving medicines coming into the country to exporting fresh British produce such as popcorn and biscuits, Heathrow, working in partnership with our cargo community, enables the swift movement of goods around the world.
“Heathrow expansion will ensure the UK has the capacity it needs to continue to grow trade links, support jobs and supply chains, and remain competitive in the global economy.”
