UK aviation records strongest second quarter despite Middle East disruption

UK airports handled a record 81.2 million passengers between April and June 2026, according to new data from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), demonstrating the resilience of the aviation sector despite disruption linked to conflict in the Middle East.

The total of 81,158,297 passengers represented a year-on-year increase on the 81,035,648 travellers recorded during the same period in 2025. Growth was driven primarily by continued demand for leisure travel, particularly on short-haul European routes, as well as strong performance from leading low-cost airlines.

Ryanair and Jet2 each reported 9% growth in passenger numbers during the quarter, while easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 collectively carried 2.25 million more passengers than in the second quarter of last year.The latest figures continue a trend seen earlier in 2026, with increasing numbers of UK travellers choosing destinations across Europe. More than one million additional passengers travelled to Western European destinations during the quarter, with Madrid and Barcelona recording passenger growth of 15% and 11% respectively.

Growth was also evident on long-haul routes, particularly across Asia. Passenger numbers increased by 11% on services to China, while traffic to India grew by 5%. Travel to Pakistan saw the largest proportional increase, rising by 307% year-on-year.

Ross Lydall, spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said the results highlight the sector’s ability to adapt amid changing global conditions.”Demand for flying remains high, as passengers adjust their travel plans around global events,” he said.

“These results highlight the sector’s resilience and hard work and keep it on course for another record-breaking year.”

The strong performance came despite continuing geopolitical challenges in the Middle East, which affected travel demand across parts of the region. Passenger traffic to Dubai fell by 50% compared with the previous year, while several Middle Eastern carriers experienced notable reductions in passenger volumes. The period also coincided with UK government travel advice against non-essential travel to parts of the region until 18 June.

The UK government said measures introduced to support airline operations helped minimise disruption for passengers. According to the Department for Transport, fewer than 1% of flights were cancelled at short notice between May and July.

Keir Mather, Aviation, Maritime and Freight Minister, said the industry’s performance demonstrated both operational resilience and the importance of aviation to the UK economy.

“Our aviation industry continues to show its strength and resilience, with record numbers of holidaymakers taking off this Spring, helping to support jobs, businesses and growth across the UK,” he said.

Airport operators also welcomed the continued recovery and expansion of air travel demand. Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, noted the importance of maintaining and growing air connectivity for trade, tourism and investment, particularly given the UK’s geographic reliance on aviation links.

Regional airports shared in the growth. Cardiff recorded the strongest proportional increase in passenger numbers at 16%, while Newcastle and Inverness each reported growth of 8% compared with the same quarter in 2025.

Dublin, Palma de Mallorca, Amsterdam, Alicante and Malaga were the most popular destinations served from UK airports during the period, underlining the continued strength of short-haul leisure markets.

Industry body Airlines UK said the figures reinforce aviation’s role as a key driver of economic growth and demonstrate the sector’s ability to withstand geopolitical uncertainty while meeting rising passenger demand.

The latest data suggests the UK aviation market remains on track for another strong year, supported by robust leisure travel demand, expanding low-cost carrier operations and sustained passenger confidence despite external challenges.