Heathrow Airport has seen cargo volumes increase by 1.5 per cent in May to 129,671 tonnes, driven by European and East Asian growth.

European cargo volumes were up by 9.6 per cent and East Asia increased by 8.7 per cent. Heathrow says East Asian growth was driven by Air China increasing by 40 per cent, JAL by 60 per cent and Vietnam by 76 per cent.

Heathrow Airport chief executive officer, John Holland-Kaye says: “Over the last 70 years Heathrow, Britain’s biggest port, has played a pivotal role in helping Britain thrive as an island trading nation.”

“Expanding Heathrow will mean 40 new direct connections across the globe, exporting more goods to more markets for the next 70 years and beyond. Heathrow is the right choice to secure a stronger economic future for all of the UK.”

Between January and May 2016, volumes have increased by 1.6 per cent to 629,061 tonnes.