UK aviation growth continues with record passenger numbers

 
Image courtesy CAA

In the first half of the year, 141 million passengers travelled through UK airports, ahead of a record-breaking summer which will see numbers increase further.

Aviation also showed a strong punctuality performance with fewer delays at airports. Seventy-five per cent of flights operated on-time, eight percentage points up on 2024. April saw particularly strong performance with 82% of flights departing on schedule.

The COVID-19 pandemic saw the biggest reduction in flyers of any event in aviation’s over 100-year history. Passenger numbers have grown steadily since, with the latest figures showing a 3% increase since 2024.

Selina Chadha, Group Director for Consumers and Markets at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “Aviation is experiencing strong growth, with record passenger numbers as millions take to the skies this summer.

“Reliable, on-time flights remain a priority, and it’s encouraging that delays are falling year-on-year.

“These numbers are a great achievement and we continue to work across the sector to drive ever higher standards.”

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said: “These trends demonstrate the strength of aviation as a growth engine for the UK, boosting the regions and supporting our companies, all whilst delivering improved service standards.

“The sector will continue to prioritise passengers and freight customers and looks forward to working with Government to build on this momentum, so we can secure the future of aviation, the jobs it delivers and the world-class connectivity it provides.”

The most popular international destinations were in Europe, with Dublin, Amsterdam, Palma de Mallorca and Alicante topping the list.

Other findings included:

• A successful year for cargo operations by tonnage grew by 6% compared to last year to exceed pre-pandemic levels.
• Nearly 700,000 tons of cargo were shipped through UK airports between April and June.
• Top destinations for international cargo included Dubai, New York, Doha Hamad and Leipzig, with especially high year-on-year growth of cargo tonnage to Asian markets. Delhi and Mumbai saw 61% and 41% increase, respectively.
• Airports across the north of England saw especially high growth in terminal passengers, with nearly three-quarters of a million additional passengers passing through Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds Bradford airports alone.

Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: “We are delighted that the data shows that UK airports are busier than ever and that punctuality has significantly improved, as the industry surpasses levels last seen before the pandemic.

“Air travel sits at the heart of our economy, connecting friends and family, making global tourism possible, linking UK businesses with new and existing markets, and transporting goods worth billions all over the world.

“So, to see it growing and delivering increasingly positive levels of service, bringing jobs and opportunities to every region of the UK, is a welcome sign for the future, and one that we will continue working with government to ensure remains the case.”