New data from the UK Civil Aviation Authority reveals passenger numbers are expected to rise this year with nearly a third of consumers (31%) planning to fly more in 2026 than they did last year.
The survey suggests that a desire to continue flying in 2026 is especially strong among younger consumers.
Nearly half (47%) of 18-34s plan to take more flights this year. This compares to 29% of 35 to 54-year olds, while the 55-plus age group ‘remains steady’ at 22%.
Overall satisfaction with the air travel experience is at an all-time high with 88% saying they are satisfied with their experience, the highest levels since tracking began in 2016.
The data also shows the number of consumers making complaints following disrupted flights has remained stable (15%) and satisfaction with complaints handling has notably increased to 72% (up 10% from last year).
CAA Group Director of Consumers and Markets Selina Chadha said: “Consumers want to fly more and 2026 is lining up to be another year of growth, fuelled by demand from younger passengers.
“While it is encouraging that 88% of consumers are satisfied with their overall experience of flying, this figure drops for certain vulnerability groups – iincluding those with accessibility/disability needs, those facing digital barriers and those facing financial constraints.
“It’s good to see passenger satisfaction with complaints handling increasing and we’d encourage the industry to continue focussing on making sure they deal with passenger complaints as efficiently as possible.”
Although more than half of consumers (55%) expect their flying habits to stay the same this year, certain vulnerable groups continue to face barriers to flying.
Disabled passengers remain less likely to have flown in the past 12 months (42%) and satisfaction was lower for consumers with disability or accessibility needs (82%), those who are not digitally confident (80%) and financially vulnerable (80%).
Cost remains the most frequently cited barrier to flying, with 36% of non-flyers citing financial limitations as the main reason for not flying in the last 12 months.
However, overall satisfaction with value for money is the highest it has been since 2021 (76%).
While three quarters of consumers say that they are concerned about the environment and climate change, just 32% believe reducing the environmental impact of flying should be the industry’s top priority.
