The UK aviation sector recorded its busiest year ever in 2025, with passenger numbers climbing to 302 million, surpassing pre-pandemic highs, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Sector Surpasses Pre-Pandemic High
The total marks a 2% rise from 295 million in 2024 and represents more people than the combined populations of the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands. The CAA said the figures confirm a full recovery for the industry after Covid-19 grounded global travel.
Growth is expected to continue. The regulator’s latest consumer survey found that nearly one in three people, 31%, plan to fly more this year, reinforcing a long-term upward trend that has seen passenger numbers triple since 1989.
Popular Routes and Airport Growth
The most travelled international routes in 2025 were Dublin (DUB), Alicante (ALC), Dubai (DXB), Malaga (AGP) and Palma de Mallorca (PMI).
Among the fastest-growing destinations were Milan Linate (LIN), which welcomed 453,000 additional passengers, Krakow (KRK) with 326,000 more, and Malta (MLA), up 301,000.
UK’s regional airports also posted strong gains. Edinburgh (EDI) recorded an 8% rise in passenger numbers, Liverpool (LPL) saw an 11% increase and Newcastle (NCL) grew by 7%.
Meanwhile, punctuality improved, with 73% of flights operating on time, six percentage points higher than in 2024, although still below pre-pandemic performance.
Expansion Plans Gather Pace
Aviation minister Keir Mather said the milestone underlined the need to expand capacity, including preparations for a third runway at Heathrow (LHR) and approved growth at Gatwick (LGW) and Luton (LTN).
Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade described aviation as a “growth engine” for the economy, while AirportsUK chief executive Karen Dee said sustained collaboration between industry, regulators and government would be crucial to maintain global competitiveness.
CAA consumers and markets director Selina Chadha said the watchdog would continue to work with partners to strengthen safety standards and passenger protections as demand rises.
Are you flying more this year? Share your travel plans and tell us whether UK airports are keeping pace with rising demand.
