UK sees record air passenger numbers despite Middle East disruption

Figures from the Civil Aviation Authority show more than 81 million passengers travelled through UK airports between April and June, breaking last year’s record for travel in the same quarter.

 

The CAA said the growth was largely driven by low-cost airlines, with Ryanair and Jet2 both seeing 9% year-on-year growth in passenger numbers during the quarter.

 

Passengers were increasingly taking short-haul European flights, with more than one million additional passengers travelling to Western Europe.

 

The most popular destinations in the second quarter were Dublin, Palma in Majorca, Amsterdam, Alicante and Malaga.

 

Asia also saw significant growth in passenger numbers, especially China (11%), Pakistan (307%) and India (5%).

 

However, travel during the period was affected by the conflict in the Middle East, leading to the Foreign Office to advise against non-essential travel to the region until June 18.

 

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Passenger numbers travelling to Dubai halved compared to last year, and Middle Eastern airlines also saw significant reductions.

 

Ross Lydall, CAA head of communications, said: “Demand for flying remains high, as passengers adjust their travel plans around global events.

 

“These results highlight the sector’s resilience and hard work and keep it on course for another record-breaking year.”

 

Keir Mather, aviation, maritime and freight minister, added: “Our aviation industry continues to show its strength and resilience, with record numbers of holidaymakers taking off this spring, helping to support jobs, businesses and growth across the UK.

 

“We acted quickly to support airlines and airports against the backdrop of conflict in the Middle East, including giving airlines greater flexibility to lock in flight schedules early, helping to keep last-minute disruption to a minimum, with fewer than 1% of flights cancelled at short notice between May and July.”

 

Karen Dee, chief executive of trade association AirportsUK, added: “It is good to see that air travel has continued to grow, despite ongoing challenges in places like the Middle East.

 

“As an island nation, our air links play a pivotal role in business, trade, investment and tourism so it is extremely important that we support and grow our connectivity.”

 

A spokesperson from Airlines UK, the trade body for UK-registered airlines, said: “This data confirms aviation’s importance to the British public, its vital role as a growth engine for the UK economy, and its resilience in the face of geopolitical turbulence.

 

 “Satisfaction with air travel has never been higher, with UK airlines continuing to work hard to meet growing demand whilst providing choice, service and competitive fares and reducing our environmental impact.”