The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recorded a record-breaking 81 million passengers travelling through UK airports through Q2 2025.
According to a report published by the CAA, passenger levels are up 3% compared to the same period in 2024, bringing total passenger numbers for H1 2025 to 141 million. Further passenger increases are expected through Q3, also projected to be a record-breaking quarter.
Significant growth has been seen across the North, with nearly 750,000 additional passengers travelling via Liverpool (LPL), Manchester (MAN), Newcastle (NCL), and Leeds Bradford (LBA) Airports.
Europe remained a popular destination choice for travellers. Services to Dublin, Amsterdam, Palma de Mallorca, and Alicante were among the busiest routes from the UK.
In a statement shared by the authority, Selina Chada, group director for consumers and markets, said: "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. These numbers are a great achievement and we continue to work across the sector to drive ever higher standards.”
Alongside passenger growth, airport punctuality has also improved through Q2. The average delay decreased by five minutes to 13 minutes, with 75% of flights leaving on time, up from 68% in Q2 2024. The CAA noted April was the best months for punctuality during the quarter, with 82% of flights departing on schedule.