Heathrow has reinforced its standing as the United Kingdom’s most valuable port, with government figures revealing the airport handled £293 billion worth of goods during 2025, representing more than a quarter of all UK trade by value.
Some 1.59 million tonnes of cargo passed through the west London hub last year, underscoring the airport’s pivotal role in keeping British supply chains running smoothly. On a typical flight, approximately £600,000 worth of cargo travels in the belly hold beneath passengers’ feet, equating to roughly £3,500 of goods beneath every seat.
The shipments range from fresh produce and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals to high-value electronics and luxury fashion, all of which depend on Heathrow’s extensive global network to reach UK retailers, hospitals and manufacturers.
British exporters, too, rely heavily on the airport. Around £127 billion of goods were flown out of Heathrow in 2025, including gourmet food products and fresh produce requiring rapid transit to remain viable in overseas markets. More than 90 per cent of Heathrow’s trade by value is with non-EU countries, highlighting its critical importance in connecting UK businesses with markets beyond Europe.
Heathrow now accounts for approximately 75 per cent of all UK air cargo by value, yet the airport is operating at full capacity. Its cargo leadership team argues that expansion is essential if Britain is to remain competitive, support employment and strengthen international trade links.
James Golding, head of cargo and airline partnerships at Heathrow, said the figures demonstrate just how vital the airport is to exporters, manufacturers and supply chains across the country, adding that expansion would provide the capacity needed to grow trade and maintain the UK’s competitive position in the global economy.