Heathrow airport has reported record-breaking results for the first quarter of 2018.

Between January and March 2018, 200,000 passengers passed through Europe’s busiest airport every day – a 3.1 percent increase from the first quarter of 2017.

“We’re delighted that passengers are choosing Heathrow in record numbers – it’s a strong signal that we’re delivering value for money,” John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s chief executive.

“We’re within touching distance of Parliament voting on expanding Heathrow and now more than ever we’re committed to developing and delivering a hub airport that Britain can be proud of for generations to come.”

The airport’s operating profit was £220 million, up eight million from the same period last year. Spend from retail earnings increased percent cent to £8.82 for the average passenger.

Data released by the airport showed the busiest destination remains Europe. Passengers to South America have increased by 6.9 percent.

The third runway has not yet been approved but if plans are given the go-ahead, it would be open by 2025.

The new runway has faced a backlash with a government analysis showing that it would expose an additional two million people to aircraft noise.

It has long been clear that the DfT have understated the numbers who will be impacted by an expanded Heathrow’s noise,” said Paul McGuinness, the chair of the No 3rd Runway Coalition.

“So it’s hardly surprising to learn that these calculations were not presented to the public and parliament. The DfT wish to conceal the true impact of expanding this highly disruptive airport.”

Heathrow maintains that even with a third runway, fewer people will be affected by the noise.

“We stand by our commitment to expand Heathrow while reducing the number of people affected by noise, compared to today. We are currently consulting with our local communities on airspace modernisation, which will redesign how planes fly over Heathrow in coming years,” a spokesperson said.

“Any future modelling of noise impacts must take into account these changes, as well as the stringent mitigation and insulation plans Heathrow will put in place, which will continue to reduce the number of people affected by our operations.”