The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed a record-breaking second quarter for 2026, with more than 81 million passengers passing through UK airports between April and June. The figure marks a new high-water mark for the sector, achieved despite ongoing disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East.
Growth was led by low-cost carriers, with Ryanair and Jet2 both reporting a 9% increase in passenger numbers year-on-year. easyJet also contributed to the surge, with the three airlines collectively carrying 2.25 million more passengers than in the same period of 2025.
Short-haul Europe leads the rebound
The data shows a pronounced shift towards short-haul European travel, with over one million additional passengers flying to Western Europe compared to last year. Spain was a standout performer: traffic to Madrid rose 15% and Barcelona 11%, reflecting sustained demand for the Iberian peninsula's leisure and business hubs.
Asia also recorded gains, particularly on routes to China, Pakistan, and India, as carriers restored capacity and travellers resumed long-haul journeys. The resilience of demand is notable given the geopolitical backdrop, with airlines and airports adapting schedules to avoid affected airspace.
Ross Lydall, spokesperson for the CAA, 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.”
Aviation Minister Keir Mather echoed that sentiment: “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.”
The performance underscores the importance of low-cost carriers in driving UK aviation volumes. Ryanair, Jet2, and easyJet have expanded their European networks, capitalising on strong leisure demand and the continued recovery of business travel. The growth also reflects broader trends in the industry, such as the record passenger volumes handled by Accelya's FLX ONE in 2025, which signal the sector's overall momentum.
For travel professionals, the data points to sustained opportunities in short-haul markets, particularly in Southern Europe. The UK's airports are also benefiting from increased connectivity to Asia, a trend that aligns with the growth in Chinese budget hotels catering to foreign visitors, as inbound and outbound travel flows expand.
Despite the positive numbers, the industry faces ongoing challenges, including airspace restrictions and fuel costs. However, the CAA's report suggests that passenger demand remains robust, and the sector is on track to exceed previous annual records.
As the UK heads into the peak summer season, airlines and airports are expected to maintain high load factors. The record Q2 performance also bodes well for related sectors, such as cruise lines like Virgin Voyages, which recently posted a record booking day, indicating that consumer appetite for travel remains strong across multiple modes.
The UK aviation sector continues to be a critical driver of the national economy, supporting connectivity, trade, and tourism. With the government's focus on sustainable growth, the industry is poised to build on this momentum in the coming quarters.
