1.59 million tonnes of cargo passed through Heathrow in 2025

More than a quarter of UK trade passed through Heathrow in 2025, as it handled £293 billion worth of goods.

In total, more than 1.59 million tonnes of cargo passed through Heathrow, highlighting its critical role in the UK economy. Its network enables the rapid movement of high-value, time-sensitive goods.

These include mangoes harvested in India which can arrive fresh onto UK supermarket shelves, temperature-sensitive medicines and vaccines from pharmaceutical hubs in Europe and North America and high-value electronics such as smartphones that travel in the belly hold of passenger aircraft from Asia before reaching UK retailers and manufacturers.

Heathrow’s connectivity to hundreds of destinations worldwide supports British businesses in exporting their goods around the world, with approximately £117 billion worth of exports in 2025.

More than 90% of the airport’s trade is with non-EU countries, demonstrating its importance in linking British businesses with key international markets.

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 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.”

Alexandra Herdman, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK said: “Air freight is vital for the UK economy, keeping UK businesses trading and connected.

“This data from Heathrow shows how businesses depend on the connectivity of major airports to provide those critical links to hubs all over the world.”