As the United Kingdom’s only hub airport, Heathrow provides the important links that connect the UK with the rest of the world, including the new global economies of India and China. 

The majority of the UK’s long-haul flights depart from Heathrow. It operates the UK’s only direct air links to emerging world cities such as Shanghai, Beijing and Sao Paulo. More than half of all the UK’s air freight passes through Heathrow, the majority in the hold of passenger planes.

A major factor in London’s success as a world city is its strength in financial services. Air travel is key element to this success, with leading city institutions identifying Heathrow as vital for international trade.

The Thames Valley Economic Partnership found that "The access to the market that Heathrow provides, as an international hub, is a principle driver for location choice...helping to secure significant investment by many of the world's leading brands".