Heathrow will be hassle-free this Easter, its chief executive has promised after overseeing a successful half-term holiday getaway.

John Holland-Kaye, who has announced he is stepping down after a controversial near-decade running Britain’s largest airport, said that during the past month Terminal 5, Heathrow’s newest and biggest terminal and the one reserved for British Airways and its sister carriers, had recorded its busiest day since Christmas 2019, before the pandemic.

“The February half-term went very smoothly, thanks to a great plan and teamwork across the airport,” he said. “This should give everyone confidence that we are prepared for a successful Easter getaway.”

Fingers will be firmly crossed. Heathrow’s reopening last Easter descended into chaos after the airport and its contractors failed to recruit enough staff.