Heathrow handled over £293bn in trade in 2025

Heathrow Airport handled £293 billion worth of goods in 2025, accounting for more than a quarter of the UK’s total trade by value, according to new government data.

 

The figures confirm Heathrow’s position as the UK’s largest port by value, with around 1.59 million tonnes of cargo passing through the airport during the year. On average, each flight carried approximately £600,000 worth of goods, highlighting the high-value nature of air freight.

The airport plays a key role in the rapid movement of time-sensitive and high-value products. In 2025, around £166 billion worth of imports arrived via Heathrow, including fresh food, pharmaceuticals, electronics and luxury goods.

Exports also remained significant, with £127 billion worth of British goods shipped through the airport. Products such as gourmet foods and luxury items rely on Heathrow’s global connectivity to reach international markets quickly and efficiently.

More than 90 percent of Heathrow’s trade by value is with non-EU countries, underlining its importance as a gateway for UK businesses to access global markets. The airport also dominates the country’s air cargo sector, handling roughly 75 percent of all UK air freight by value.

Industry representatives say the data highlights Heathrow’s central role in supporting supply chains, jobs and economic growth. However, the airport is currently operating at full capacity, prompting renewed calls for expansion to accommodate future demand and maintain the UK’s competitiveness in global trade.