Sumo wrestlers arrive at Heathrow Airport on Saturday for a tournament in London. Getty Images
Sumo wrestlers arrive at Heathrow Airport on Saturday for a tournament in London. Getty Images
Sumo wrestlers arrive at Heathrow Airport on Saturday for a tournament in London. Getty Images
Sumo wrestlers arrive at Heathrow Airport on Saturday for a tournament in London. Getty Images

Heathrow records bumper September despite third runway row


Paul Carey
  • English
  • Arabic

Heathrow airport reported its busiest September on record, despite the effects of a cyber attack that hit electronic check-in and boarding systems, with passenger numbers reaching 7.3 million for the month amid 0.3 per cent in growth so far this year.

Figures from the UK’s busiest airport show 63.3 million passengers travelled through its four terminals between January and September. There were 200,000 more passengers in September than during the same month last year, with its two runways being used at almost full capacity.

There was larger growth for passengers travelling to the Middle East, up by 1.4 per cent so far this year, the second largest leap in percentage terms behind the Asia-Pacific region at 2.3 per cent. Europe and North America remain the most popular destinations.

Between 2023 and 2024, Heathrow’s passenger numbers increased by 4.7 million, beating its pre-Covid record.

In September, Heathrow and other major European airports suffered disruption due to a cyber attack. Collins Aerospace, a provider of check-in and boarding systems for several airlines, said “cyber-related disruption” to its multi-user system environment software caused delays at some airports.

Heathrow has also been hampered by capacity constraints and intends building a full-length third runway that would enable an additional 276,000 flights to operate every year, increasing from 480,000 today to 756,000.

There is also a competing bid to build a shorter third runway by Indian tycoon Surinder Arora.

Surinder Arora's Heathrow expansion proposal. Photo: Heathrow West by the Arora Group
Surinder Arora's Heathrow expansion proposal. Photo: Heathrow West by the Arora Group

Heathrow believes it is possible to meet the UK government’s ambition of securing planning consent by 2029 and bringing the new runway into operation within a decade.

It proposed that the expansion would be privately financed at a cost of £21 billion ($28 billion), but there are concerns over the impact on passenger charges.

“This summer at Heathrow was one to be celebrated," said Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye. “Operating Europe’s largest airport doesn’t come without its challenges, but I’m proud that our team delivered under pressure – welcoming nearly 7.4 million passengers in September alone while maintaining strong performance in punctuality and security.

“We continued to lead the pack in global connectivity, all while keeping the passenger experience smooth for millions. It’s a clear sign that Heathrow is vital to the UK’s economic growth and why we will continue to invest in our airport – opening up even more opportunities for passengers, airlines and the country.”

The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm

Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Price: from Dh155,000

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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

The specs

Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
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BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

The specs

Engine: 5.0-litre V8

Power: 480hp at 7,250rpm

Torque: 566Nm at 4,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: L/100km

Price: Dh306,495

On sale: now

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Rest

(Because Music)

LIVING IN...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

The specs

Price, base / as tested Dh12 million

Engine 8.0-litre quad-turbo, W16

Gearbox seven-speed dual clutch auto

Power 1479 @ 6,700rpm

Torque 1600Nm @ 2,000rpm 0-100kph: 2.6 seconds 0-200kph: 6.1 seconds

Top speed 420 kph (governed)

Fuel economy, combined 35.2L / 100km (est)

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
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  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

MATCH INFO

Jersey 147 (20 overs) 

UAE 112 (19.2 overs)

Jersey win by 35 runs

SERIE A FIXTURES

Saturday

AC Milan v Sampdoria (2.30pm kick-off UAE)

Atalanta v Udinese (5pm)

Benevento v Parma (5pm)

Cagliari v Hellas Verona (5pm)

Genoa v Fiorentina (5pm)

Lazio v Spezia (5pm)

Napoli v Crotone (5pm)

Sassuolo v Roma (5pm)

Torino v Juventus (8pm)

Bologna v Inter Milan (10.45pm)

Veil (Object Lessons)
Rafia Zakaria
​​​​​​​Bloomsbury Academic

The%20specs
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The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 502hp at 7,600rpm

Torque: 637Nm at 5,150rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Price: from Dh317,671

On sale: now

LA LIGA FIXTURES

Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)

Valencia v Atletico Madrid (midnight)

Mallorca v Alaves (4pm)

Barcelona v Getafe (7pm)

Villarreal v Levante (9.30pm)

Sunday

Granada v Real Volladolid (midnight)

Sevilla v Espanyol (3pm)

Leganes v Real Betis (5pm)

Eibar v Real Sociedad (7pm)

Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna (9.30pm)

Monday

Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (midnight)

Honeymoonish
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Akeed

Based: Muscat

Launch year: 2018

Number of employees: 40

Sector: Online food delivery

Funding: Raised $3.2m since inception 

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Klipit%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Venkat%20Reddy%2C%20Mohammed%20Al%20Bulooki%2C%20Bilal%20Merchant%2C%20Asif%20Ahmed%2C%20Ovais%20Merchant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Digital%20receipts%2C%20finance%2C%20blockchain%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%244%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Privately%2Fself-funded%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: October 13, 2025, 9:32 AM