The number of travellers passing through the United Kingdom’s airports reached a new record last quarter, surging past pre-pandemic highs.
UK airports reported 81 million passengers in the June quarter, rising by 3% year-over-year, according to the country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Total passenger numbers reached 141 million across the first half of 2025.
“Aviation is experiencing strong growth, with record passenger numbers as millions take to the skies this summer. Reliable, on-time flights remain a priority, and it’s encouraging that delays are falling year-on-year,” said UK CAA group director for consumers and markets Selina Chadha.
"The UK aviation sector is booming with a record number of people taking to the skies over the past few months,” said UK Aviation Minister Mike Kane. “Our airport expansion plans will make sure the industry continues to benefit from and keep up with growing demand.”
Around 75% of flights operated on time last quarter, the CAA said, representing an 8% increase from one year ago. The average delay was 13 minutes, dropping by five minutes.
The most popular international destinations were Dublin, Amsterdam, Palma de Mallorca, and Alicante.
UK airports also saw a 6% year-over-year increase in cargo operations by tonnage last quarter, carrying 684,000 tonnes of goods.
The top destinations for international cargo were Dubai, New York City, and Doha. Delhi and Mumbai reported among the largest increases in cargo tonnage, at 61% and 41%.
Heathrow Airport, located near London, is the largest airport in Europe by passenger traffic and is currently nearing full capacity. The U.K.’s government agreed in July to consider plans to build an additional runway by 2035, as well as potentially add a new terminal and modernise infrastructure.
The U.K. Department for Transport also said in February that it was likely to approve a plan to expand Gatwick Airport, with a final decision due in October.
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