The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed that 2025 delivered the busiest summer on record for UK aviation, with more passengers passing through airports than ever before.
More than 90 million travellers used UK airports between July and September alone — the first time summer traffic has exceeded this milestone. In the first nine months of 2025, passenger numbers reached 231 million, with forecasts suggesting totals could surpass 300 million by year-end, setting a new annual record.
The regulator is now working closely with airlines and airports as the industry prepares for what is expected to be the busiest Christmas getaway in history, with tens of millions set to fly during December.
Last year saw 295 million passengers fly through UK airports, including 22 million in December 2024. While delays have continued to ease in 2025, punctuality still lags behind pre-pandemic levels. This summer, 64% of flights operated on time, a seven-percentage-point improvement on the peak months of 2024.
CAA: “Check before you travel”
Selina Chadha, the CAA’s Group Director for Consumers and Markets, urged passengers to plan ahead during the winter peak.
“We now have more people flying than ever before and are on track for the biggest Christmas getaway in history. With high passenger numbers and the potential for bad weather that winter brings, make sure you check for disruption including on your route to the airport. The aviation industry will be working hard at this time of year. As the regulator we want to see passengers having the smoothest possible journeys.”
Government: Aviation expansion will “power economic growth”
Keir Mather, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, highlighted the growing demand for air travel and the government’s support for the industry.
“We know Britain wants to fly. Airports and airlines nationwide reported their busiest summer yet, as record numbers of passengers head off on business trips and holidays. As another busy festive period kicks off, we’ve secured the sector’s future. Getting expansion off the ground at Luton, Gatwick, and Heathrow, and redesigning our airways – to keep Britain connected, support jobs, and power economic growth.”
Airlines UK: Industry remains “engine of economic growth”
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said carriers were rising to the challenge of booming demand.
“UK airlines continue to be an engine of economic growth, meeting increased demand from passengers and businesses whilst working hard to deliver the best experience for customers. Maintaining these positive trends is key as the sector faces growing cost pressures and means industry, Government and the CAA working together to ensure the UK remains a competitive place to base and operate an airline.”
CAA’s top winter travel tips
To help passengers navigate the busy festive period, the CAA is advising travellers to:
- Check before you travel: Winter weather and high demand can cause disruption, so passengers should monitor their journey and allow extra time.
- Know your rights: Delayed or cancelled flights come with passenger protections, and airlines must provide support. Details are available on the CAA website.
- Plan your packing: Items such as lithium batteries, Christmas crackers and wrapped presents can slow down security queues. Travellers should check airline rules and place any restricted items in hold luggage if required.
Additional findings from Summer 2025
- Fastest-growing airports: Edinburgh (+9%), Liverpool (+10%) and Bournemouth (+28%) recorded the strongest year-on-year passenger growth.
- Top destinations: Palma de Mallorca, Dublin, Amsterdam and Alicante were the most popular routes for UK travellers.
- Middle Eastern growth: Carriers such as Etihad Airways (+23%), Qatar Airways (+14%), SunExpress (+17%) and Turkish Airlines (+8%) saw significant increases in UK traffic.
- Air freight rises: Nearly 700,000 tonnes of cargo moved through UK airports between July and September, continuing a multi-year upward trend.
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