UK aviation regulator expects busiest Christmas in history

CAA’s prediction follows busiest summer on record

The UK’s aviation regulator is preparing for what it expects may be the busiest Christmas in history with tens of millions predicted to fly in December.

New data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) shows 2025 was the busiest summer on record for passengers travelling through UK airports.

In the first nine months of the year, 231 million passengers travelled through UK airports, the CAA’s 2025 Aviation Trends report shows.

New estimates suggest the total passengers travelling across the whole year may exceed 300 million passengers for the first time ever in 2025.

Last year, 295m passengers flew through UK airports, with 22 million flying in December 2024.

This year also saw delays at airports reduce further, although still behind pre-Covid figures.

The CAA’s report shows that 64 per cent of flights operated on time, up 7 percentage points on peak summer 2024.

Selina Chadha, group director for consumers and markets at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “We now have more people flying than ever before and are on track for the biggest Christmas getaway in history.

“With high passenger numbers and the potential for bad weather that winter brings, make sure you check for disruption including on your route to the airport.

“The aviation industry will be working hard at this time of year. As the regulator we want to see passengers having the smoothest possible journeys.”

Keir Mather, minister for aviation, maritime and decarbonisation said: “We know Britain wants to fly. Airports and airlines nationwide reported their busiest summer yet, as record numbers of passengers head off on business trips and holidays.

“As another busy festive period kicks off, we’ve secured the sector’s future. Getting expansion off the ground at Luton, Gatwick, and Heathrow, and redesigning our airways - to keep Britain connected, support jobs, and power economic growth.”

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: “UK airlines continue to be an engine of economic growth, meeting increased demand from passengers and businesses whilst working hard to deliver the best experience for customers.

“Maintaining these positive trends is key as the sector faces growing cost pressures and means industry, Government and the CAA working together to ensure the UK remains a competitive place to base and operate an airline.”

The Civil Aviation Authority’s team of consumer experts are offering some tips for passengers travelling over the Christmas period.

It is urging passengers to check for disruption, whether winter storms, cold weather or large numbers of passengers, before they travel – and allow plenty of time if there is disruption.

The CAA is also encouraging passengers to know their rights around compensation if affected by cancellation or delays.

The regulator is advising travellers to plan their packing – with items like lithium batteries, Christmas crackers and wrapped presents likely to cause queues at border security.

Other findings from the latest Aviation Trends data show that in Summer 2025:

Airports with the highest percentage growth in passengers compared to last year include Edinburgh (+9%), Liverpool (+10%) and Bournemouth (28%).

The most popular international destinations were in Europe, with Palma de Mallorca, Dublin, Amsterdam and Alicante topping the list.

Middle Eastern airlines saw some of the highest growth figures in the UK, including Etihad Airways (+23%), Qatar Airways (+14%), Sunexpress (+17%) and Turkish Airlines (+8%).

Nearly 700,000 tons of cargo were shipped through UK airports between July and September, continuing the trend of growing figures across the last few years.