Larger, fuller aircraft enabled Heathrow to increase its passenger numbers by just over three percent to a record 78 million last year.
The 3.1% growth rate was higher than the one percent rise in 2016.
The airport, which is pushing for permission to build a third runway to further increase its capacity, handled 6.3 million passengers in December, 2.8% more than in December 2016.
Chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: "Heathrow had its best year ever in 2017 helping to strengthen the British economy as the country seeks to redefine its role in the world.
"Our colleagues welcomed 78m passengers and supported the delivery of record volumes of British trade to markets around the world.
"We’re looking forward to continuing to deliver for Britain in 2018 as we progress our expansion plans."
Heathrow will launch a public planning consultation on plans for a third runway next week.
