UK aviation sector records 81 million passengers in spring as punctuality improves and growth surpasses pre-pandemic levels

A new report from the UK Civil Aviation Authority reveals a thriving aviation sector, with passenger traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels. Between April and June 2025, UK airports handled a record 81 million passengers, contributing to a total of 141 million travellers in the first half of the year. This surge paves the way for what promises to be an even busier summer.

Flight punctuality has also improved notably, with 75 per cent of flights departing on time, an increase of eight percentage points compared to 2024. April stood out with an impressive 82 per cent of flights departing according to schedule.

Growth continues to reflect a steady recovery from the pandemic, highlighted by a 3 per cent rise in passenger numbers compared with 2024.

Selina Chadha, Group Director for Consumers and Markets at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, stated: “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.”

Echoing this sentiment, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, commented: “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.”

Europe remained the most popular international region for passengers, with Dublin, Amsterdam, Palma de Mallorca and Alicante among the top destinations.

Cargo operations are also bouncing back robustly, with cargo tonnage growing by 6 per cent year-on-year, now exceeding pre-pandemic volumes. Nearly 700,000 tonnes of goods were handled at UK airports between April and June. Top international cargo routes include Dubai, New York, Doha (Hamad) and Leipzig, while deliveries to Asian markets saw sharp increases, 61 per cent to Delhi and 41 per cent to Mumbai.

Finally, airports in the north of England recorded exceptional passenger growth. Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds Bradford collectively welcomed nearly 750,000 additional terminal passengers, demonstrating aviation’s regional strength and recovery.

Commenting on this data, 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.”

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