Demand for air travel in the UK during the Christmas holiday season is heading rapidly toward new records, which is expected to be the busiest in the history of the country’s aviation sector.

Following the record set this past summer, it is estimated that the total number of passengers at UK airports will exceed 300 million for the first time.

According to the latest data from the country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), 231 million passengers traveled through British airports during the first nine months of 2025, leading to forecasts that the total will surpass 300 million by the end of the year. If this prediction is confirmed, the passenger number will exceed last year’s total of 295 million, including the 22 million passengers recorded in December alone.

At the same time, delays have decreased further, with 64% of flights departing on time — an improvement of 7 percentage points compared to the peak of summer 2024. However, flight punctuality remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Airports with the Highest Growth
According to 2025 data, the airports with the largest passenger increases compared to last year are Bournemouth (+28%), Liverpool (+10%), and Edinburgh (+9%).

The most popular international destinations for British travelers remain in Europe, with Palma, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Alicante topping the list.

The highest growth rates in the UK market were recorded by Middle Eastern airlines:

  • Etihad Airways: +23%

  • Qatar Airways: +14%

  • SunExpress: +17%

  • Turkish Airlines: +8%

Warnings of Possible Holiday “Disruptions”
The CAA urges travelers to exercise particular caution during the holiday season, reminding them that weather conditions often bring storms, snow, and schedule disruptions, while the “huge” demand may put additional pressure on airports.

Selina Chadha, Director of Consumers and Markets at the CAA, noted: “We now have more passengers than ever and are heading toward the biggest Christmas ‘getaway’ in history.”

Market Perspectives
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, emphasized that British airlines remain a “key driver of economic growth,” despite increasing operating cost pressures. He stressed that cooperation between the government, CAA, and the industry is required to keep the UK competitive.

Meanwhile, the UK Minister for Aviation, Shipping, and Decarbonization, Keir Mather, highlighted that strong demand is supported by development initiatives at major hubs. As he stated, through expansions at Luton, Gatwick, and Heathrow, as well as the reconfiguration of runways, the UK ensures it will remain connected and economically strong.