London, United Kingdom: The UK aviation industry has reached new heights, with a record 81 million passengers traveling through its airports between April and June 2025, according to the latest report from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This marks the highest quarterly passenger total on record, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and contributing to a total of 141 million travelers in the first half of the year, a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The surge in passenger numbers is attributed to a combination of factors, including pent-up demand for travel, increased consumer confidence, and the easing of global travel restrictions. Europe remained the most popular international region for UK travelers, with destinations such as Dublin, Amsterdam, Palma de Mallorca, and Alicante seeing significant traffic. Notably, airports in the north of England, including Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, and Leeds Bradford, collectively welcomed nearly 750,000 additional passengers, highlighting the regional strength of the aviation sector.
In addition to the record passenger numbers, the industry has demonstrated notable improvements in operational efficiency. Flight punctuality has seen a significant boost, with 75% of flights departing on time a marked increase of 8 percentage points compared to the same period in 2024. April was particularly strong, with 82% of flights departing as scheduled.
Cargo operations have also rebounded, with nearly 700,000 tonnes of goods handled at UK airports between April and June. This represents a 6% year-on-year increase, surpassing pre-pandemic volumes. Key international cargo routes included Dubai, New York, Doha, and Leipzig, with notable growth in deliveries to Asian markets, including a 61% increase to Delhi and a 41% rise to Mumbai.
Looking ahead, the CAA anticipates continued growth during the peak summer travel season, with expectations for another record-breaking quarter. The positive trends underscore the resilience of the UK aviation sector and its critical role in supporting economic recovery and connectivity.
As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders remain focused on sustaining growth while enhancing service standards and operational efficiency to meet the demands of an increasingly dynamic global travel landscape.
