Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of the world economy, the financial markets, the eurozone and business.
The UK’s travel recovery has begun, according to Heathrow Airport, which has reported its busiest month since the pandemic began — despite ‘barriers to travel’ remaining.
More than 1.5 million passengers passed through its terminals in July — 75% more than a year earlier, following the easing of travel restrictions.
But.. that’s still over 80% down on July 2019 — when 7.75 million customers travelled through Heathrow in a typically busy pre-pandemic summer month.
Heathrow says the “long road to recovery” has started:
The relaxation in rules has provided a much-needed boost to the UK travel industry, and enabled people across Britain to look forward to a more normal summer reuniting with family and friends abroad.
North American passenger numbers grew by nearly 230% year-on-year, with New York’s JFK airport reclaiming its top spot as Heathrow’s most popular route.