EasyJet had the highest number of terminal passengers and air traffic movements (ATMs) in the United Kingdom (UK) in the first three months of 2026, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority data (CAA). The CAA’s quarterly data showed that easyJet had a total of 85,458 ATMs in the first quarter of 2026, with more than 12.6 million terminal passengers.
Air traffic movements
Air traffic movements (ATMs) are single takeoffs or landings by an aircraft. The CAA data showed that easyJet had 3.2% more UK ATMs than British Airways, which came in second with 82,800 ATMs.
This comes as the budget carrier experiences broader industry disruptions from tensions in the Middle East, a bidding war, and a loss-making first half in Q1 2026.
In its half-year results report, released on May 21, 2026, easyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis said:
“Our strategy is clear – through disciplined growth, accelerated up gauging, and continued expansion of easyJet holidays, we aim to bounce back from this year’s Middle East related setbacks.”
Budget carriers lead terminal passengers
EasyJet and budget carrier Ryanair had the highest number of terminal passengers in the first quarter of 2026, with just over 12.6 million and 11.7 million passengers, respectively, making up 38.8% of the total 61 million UK terminal passengers in 2026.
However, Ryanair reported that its profits decreased by a third in the second quarter due to a hike in fuel prices driven by conflicts in the Middle East, according to Reuters.
The CAA data comes from 60 UK airports and provides quarterly and annual insights into the UK travel and aviation market.
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