"I have looked at how UK and Channel Islands' airports performed last month and the provisional UK CAA statistics showed that two thirds of them also saw decreases, " she continued.

BBC: Isle of Man airport's passenger figures drop

The use of UAVs in UK airspace has increased with the CAA approving applications from five police forces since 2010.

BBC: Drones backed by Hampshire chief constable

The report published on Tuesday - part-funded by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) - looked more at changes in the average weight and height of passengers in the past few decades than the highly-publicised fears over so-called "traveller's thrombosis".

BBC: Civil Aviation Authority report

The bill deals with the regulation of the UK's major airports, including the legislative framework of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

BBC: MPs open debate on Civil Aviation Bill

In a statement, Heathrow said it would be examining the CAA's proposals "carefully" before giving its response, but said its status as the UK's only hub airport made it a "strategically important national asset" that required continued investment.

BBC: Heathrow and Gatwick face new airline fee caps