2026 should once again see an increase in air traffic, according to the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority), the authority responsible for managing air transport in the UK. United Kingdom.
According to the latest data collected by the CAA, 31% of UK passengers plan to fly more in 2026. The CAA says that in 2025, 62 % of those surveyed said they had flown at least once in the last 12 months. The highest percentages were found among young adults (aged 18-34). 72% of them have flown in the last year, and 47% expect to fly more in 2026. This compares with 29% among the 35-54 age group, who say they plan to fly more this year, and 22% among the over-55s.
Satisfaction across the board
Particularly encouraging is a record satisfaction rate for the in-flight experience. 88% of passengers say they are satisfied with their in-flight experience. In terms of value for money, the satisfaction rate is at its highest level since 2021, at 76 %.
Satisfaction with the efficient handling of complaints is also on the rise. This rate reached 72% compared with 62% in 2024. The rate of complaints filed following a problem remained stable at 15%.
On the other hand, there is a great paradox when it comes to the environment. While 75% of air travellers say they are concerned about the environment and climate change, only 32 % believe that reducing the environmental impact of air transport should be the industry's top priority.
British air transport can therefore expect to handle an even greater number of passengers in 2026, following a year in which many airports reached all-time highs. This was the case at Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, London Heathrow, Luton and Stansted, among others...
| Airport | Number of passengers 2025 (millions) | Change between 2024 and 2025 |
| London Heathrow | 84,46 | +0,7% |
| London Gatwick | 42,77 | -1,1% |
| Manchester | 32,09 | +4,2% |
| London Stansted | 30,04 | +0,9% |
| London Luton | 17,56 | +4,9% |
| Edinburgh | 16,98 | +7,5% |
| Birmingham | 13,65 | +6,2% |
| Glasgow | 8,18° | +2.71TP3 |
| Belfast International | 6,68 | -1,1% |
| Liverpool | 5,6 | +10,3% |
