CAA report: UK airports showing significant growth and better punctuality

According to a new report issued by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority, aviation has shown “significant growth” in the UK, reaching the highest ever number of passengers between April and June 2025. In the first half of the year, 141 million passengers travelled through all UK airports, ahead of the peak summer season for 2025, which was widely expected to be the busiest on record, with a record-breaking number of passengers.

The report, published on August 29, 2025, added that aviation also showed a strong punctuality performance with fewer delays at airports. 75% of flights operated on time, stated the report, which is 8% up on the same period in 2024. April saw particularly strong performance with 82% of flights departing on schedule. While the COVID-19 pandemic saw the biggest reduction in passengers of any event in aviation’s over 100-year history, passenger numbers have grown steadily since, with the latest figures showing a 3% increase over 2024.

“Aviation is experiencing strong growth, with record passenger numbers as millions take to the skies this summer,” commented Selina Chadha, Group Director for Consumers and Markets at the UK Civil Aviation Authority. “Reliable, on-time flights remain a priority, and it is encouraging that delays are falling year-on-year. “These numbers are a great achievement, and we continue to work across the sector to drive ever higher standards.”

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com“The UK aviation sector is booming with a record number of people taking to the skies over the past few months,“ said the UK Government’s Aviation Minister Mike Kane. “Our airport expansion plans will make sure the industry continues to benefit from and keep up with growing demand. More passengers travelling through UK airports means increased economic growth and more jobs for people up and down the country, supporting the delivery of our Plan for Change.”

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, added, “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.”

“The sector will continue to prioritise passengers and freight customers and looks forward to working with Government to build on this momentum, so we can secure the future of aviation, the jobs it delivers and the world-class connectivity it provides.”

The most popular destinations

According to the CAA, the most popular international destinations were in Europe, with Dublin (DUB), Amsterdam (AMS), Palma de Mallorca (PMI), and Alicante (ALC) topping the list. Meanwhile, airports across the north of England saw especially high growth in terminal passengers, with nearly three-quarters of a million additional passengers passing through Liverpool (LPL), Manchester (MAN), Newcastle (NCL), and Leeds Bradford (LBA) airports alone.

Captain_Kangaroo / ShutterstockCargo operations are on the rise

Other findings disclosed by the CAA report referring to UK airport traffic during the April to September 2025 period showed that cargo operations were increasing, with a rise of total tonnage handled growing by 6% compared to 2024, which now exceeds pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, nearly 700,000 tons of cargo were shipped through UK airports between April and June 2025.

Benthemouse / ShutterstockIn terms of key international cargo destinations, the top destinations for international cargo included Dubai (DXB), New York, Doha (DOH), and Leipzig in Germany, the primary European hub for DHL Express. Cargo saw especially high year-on-year growth of cargo tonnage to Asian markets. Delhi and Mumbai saw 61% and 41% increases, respectively.

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