Heathrow (SP) Ltd, which owns the airport, grew traffic by 2.3% to 56.9 million for the nine months to the end of September.

Adjusted profits (ebitda) rose from £1.17 billion to £1.22 billion with revenue up 4.1% to £2.1 billion.

John Holland-Kaye, chief executive at Heathrow, said: "Expansion at Heathrow fills the gap in the UK’s long-term economic plan, by connecting all of Britain to global growth.

"Today’s strong set of results demonstrates that we’re moving closer to our goal of giving passengers the best airport service in the world and that we’re well-placed to make the private investment to fund expansion. Let’s make it happen."

In July the Airports Commission released its final report, recommending a new north-west runway at Heathrow.

Over the next few months the government is expected to publish its response to the decision.

Despite the decision in Heathrow’s favour rival Gatwick has not give up hope on a new second runway at the airport.

Last month, Gatwick challenged Heathrow on how it would pay for expansion.

“As we approach a decision on expansion, Heathrow owes taxpayers, passengers, airlines and Government an explanation of how they plan to meet it as this cost increase alone is almost the entire cost of the Gatwick scheme,” said chief executive Stewart Wingate.