UK aviation on track for busiest Christmas in history following record breaking summer

The UK’s aviation regulator is working with industry to prepare for the busiest Christmas in history as tens of millions are predicted to take to the skies in December.

New data shows 2025 was the busiest summer ever recorded for passengers travelling through UK airports. In the first nine months of the year, 231m passengers travelled through UK airports. New estimates suggest the total passengers travelling may exceed 300m passengers for the first time ever in 2025.

Last year, 295m passengers flew through UK airports, with 22m flying in December 2024. This year also saw the delays at airports reducing further, although still behind pre-Covid figures.  64% of flights operated on time, up 7 percentage points on peak summer 2024.

Selina Chadha, Group Director for Consumers and Markets at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said:

“We now have more people flying than ever before and are on track for the biggest Christmas getaway in history.

“With high passenger numbers and the potential for bad weather that winter brings, make sure you check for disruption including on your route to the airport.

“The aviation industry will be working hard at this time of year. As the regulator we want to see passengers having the smoothest possible journeys.”

Keir Mather, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation said:  

“We know Britain wants to fly. Airports and airlines nationwide reported their busiest summer yet, as record numbers of passengers head off on business trips and holidays.

“As another busy festive period kicks off, we’ve secured the sector’s future. Getting expansion off the ground at Luton, Gatwick, and Heathrow, and redesigning our airways – to keep Britain connected, support jobs, and power economic growth.”

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said:

“UK airlines continue to be an engine of economic growth, meeting increased demand from passengers and businesses whilst working hard to deliver the best experience for customers.

“Maintaining these positive trends is key as the sector faces growing cost pressures and means industry, Government and the CAA working together to ensure the UK remains a competitive place to base and operate an airline.”

The Civil Aviation Authority’s team of consumer experts are offering some top tips for passengers over this period:

1. Check before you travel – Winter storms, cold weather and huge numbers of passengers can cause disruption, check your journey before you travel and allow yourself plenty of time at the airport.
2. Know your rights –  If your flight is delayed or cancelled you have rights and airlines should support you. Find out more on the CAA website – caa.co.uk/knowbeforeyougo
3. Plan your packing – Items like lithium batteries, Christmas crackers, and wrapped presents can cause queues at border security. Check with your airline what you can pack and put things in the hold where necessary.

Other findings from the latest Aviation Trends data show that in Summer 2025:

• Airports with the highest percentage growth in passengers compared to last year include Edinburgh (+9%), Liverpool (+10%) and Bournemouth (28%).
• The most popular international destinations were in Europe, with Palma de Mallorca, Dublin, Amsterdam and Alicante topping the list.
• Middle Eastern airlines saw some of the highest growth figures in the UK, including Etihad Airways (+23%), Qatar Airways (+14%), Sunexpress (+17%) and Turkish Airlines (+8%).
• Nearly 700,000 tons of cargo were shipped through UK airports between July and September. Continuing the trend of growing figures across the last few years.