UK aviation officially breaks passenger journey records

Image courtesy CAA

The 302 million passengers moving through UK airports was a significant increase on the 295 million passenger journeys in 2024.

This forms part of a long-term growth trend for the sector, as passenger numbers have tripled since 1989. This growth looks set to continue, with the aviation regulator’s recent Annual Consumer Survey revealing that one-in-three (31%) are planning to fly more this year.

Twenty twenty-five also saw flight delays continue to drop, with 73% of flights operating on-time, up six percentage points on 2024, although still behind on pre-pandemic levels.

Selina Chadha, Group Director for Consumers and Markets at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “It has never been more popular to fly, and 2025 was officially a record-breaking year.

“While the sector grows from strength to strength, we continue working with aviation partners to drive even higher safety standards and protect passengers when they fly.”

Keir Mather, Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, said: “A record year for passenger numbers underlines the importance of boosting airport capacity as we progress our work to prepare for a third runway at Heathrow, and drive forward approved expansion plans at Gatwick and Luton.

“Expansion will unlock more choice for passengers, could create thousands of highly skilled jobs, and strengthen our global connectivity, while backing UK aviation’s continued growth.”

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK said: “This data confirms aviation’s role as a growth engine for the UK economy, meeting the needs and aspirations of the British public whose desire to travel has never been greater. UK airlines are working hard to meet this demand, whilst providing ever greater choice and service, competitive fares and reducing our environmental impact.” 

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK said: “It is great to see UK aviation continues to grow and that people view the opportunity to fly for business and leisure as increasingly important.

“This enables aviation to play its part in driving economic growth and in the social and leisure life of the UK, despite a highly competitive environment and significant potential headwinds on the horizon.

“It is vital for the sector, the regulator and government, to work together to ensure these challenges do not undermine the UK’s place a world leader in aviation and the connectivity that we rely on to reach global markets, stay in touch with friends and family, and go on much needed holidays.”