Aviation in the UK has experienced significant growth, with a record-breaking number of passengers in the second quarter of 2025, according to a report released by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority. The report, published on August 29, 2025, stated that 141 million passengers traveled through UK airports in the first half of the year, surpassing previous peak summer seasons and setting a new record.
The report also highlighted the strong punctuality performance of UK airports, with a 75% on-time flight rate, an 8% increase from the same period in 2024. April showed particularly impressive performance with 82% of flights departing on schedule. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a significant decrease in passenger numbers, the latest figures show a 3% increase from 2024.
Selina Chadha, Group Director for Consumers and Markets at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, commented on the growth, stating that “aviation is experiencing strong growth, with record passenger numbers as millions take to the skies this summer. ” She also emphasized the importance of reliable and on-time flights, and the encouraging decrease in delays year-on-year. “These numbers are a great achievement, and we continue to work across the sector to drive ever higher standards,” Chadha added.
The UK Government’s Aviation Minister Mike Kane also expressed enthusiasm for the record-breaking numbers, stating that “the UK aviation sector is booming with a record number of people taking to the skies over the past few months. ” He also highlighted the government’s plans for airport expansion to keep up with growing demand and support economic growth and job creation.
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, echoed the sentiment, stating that “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. ” He also emphasized the sector’s commitment to prioritizing passengers and freight customers and working with the government to secure the future of aviation.
The report also revealed the most popular international destinations for UK passengers, with Dublin, Amsterdam, Palma de Mallorca, and Alicante topping the list. Additionally, airports in the north of England saw a significant increase in passenger traffic, with nearly three-quarters of a million additional passengers at Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, and Leeds Bradford airports.
Cargo operations in the UK also saw growth, with a 6% increase in total tonnage handled compared to 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The report also noted that nearly 700,000 tons of cargo were shipped through UK airports between April and June 2025.
The top international cargo destinations included Dubai, New York, Doha, and Leipzig in Germany, the primary European hub for DHL Express. There was also significant growth in cargo tonnage to Asian markets, with a 61% increase to Delhi and a 41% increase to Mumbai.
In conclusion, the UK’s aviation sector has shown impressive