LONDON – Heathrow welcomed more than 40,000 passengers from the Middle East over a three days period during Eid Al-Fitr and expects this figure to grow by almost 5,000 to approximately 45,000 over the Eid Al-Ahda between 25 to 28 October. As Gulf travelers prepare for the Eid break, the UK's airport has forecast that October 28 will be its busiest day over the three-day period with more than 13,000 Middle Eastern travelers expected to pass through the UK's leading international hub on the day. Heathrow is the most popular airport destination among regional travelers with passengers specifically choosing to fly through Heathrow to access the extensive range of retail outlets and traditional British brands. With more than 340 fashion and catering outlets, offering more than 125 retail and food and beverage brands, Heathrow has marked a significant increase in the demand for luxury goods, with British brands including Mulberry, Burberry and Smythson proving to be among the favourites for Gulf Travelers. With shopping being a firm favourite, Heathrow has worked to extend the VAT refund facilities in Terminals 3 and 4 to cope with popular demand from Middle Eastern passengers. Travelers can now experience a seamless service which has greatly reduced waiting times compared to previous years. The popularity of Heathrow among regional travelers is further heighted due to the vast array of exclusive airport lounges and luxury facilities based in Terminals 3 and 4 for passengers traveling with the region's biggest airlines including, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Gulf Air. To offer a truly world class experience, each Terminal develops unique menus to suit the passengers needs and requirements by adding bespoke dishes and specials throughout the year to compliment the core food and beverage outlets. The airport also stands as a firm favourite due to its excellent connectivity to London thanks to the Heathrow Express. Carrying on average 16,000 passengers a day between Heathrow and Paddington Station in just 15 minutes, the Heathrow Express bolsters the airports positioning as the region's top airport destination. John Holland-Kaye, Commercial Director of Heathrow, said: “Heathrow recognises the importance of the Middle East as a growth market, and given the continued diversification of the region's economies and vast number of western expats choosing to live and work in the Middle East, Heathrow is ideally placed to meet the growing demands of Gulf Travelers.” “We welcome the growing passenger numbers and aim to ensure their experience of Heathrow is as enjoyable as ever”. — SG
