UK aviation made its strongest start to a year on record, with passenger numbers reaching a new high in the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest figures from the Civil Aviation Authority.
More than 61 million passengers travelled through UK airports between January and March, one million more than the same period in 2025, despite the Middle East conflict, which started on 28 February.
The growth was driven largely by demand for short-haul European travel, with more than one million additional passengers flying to destinations across Western Europe.
Dublin, Amsterdam, Geneva, Tenerife and Dubai ranked among the most popular destinations for UK travellers during the quarter.
Data also highlighted continued demand for sunshine destinations, with passenger numbers to Madrid rising 14% year-on-year, while traffic to Las Palmas increased by 11%.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority said the ongoing Middle East conflict had ‘impacted passengers in some regions’ but Deputy Director for Communications and Engagement Andrew McConnell said demand for air travel remained high, despite ongoing operational and geopolitical challenges.
“Even in a more challenging time for aviation, services are continuing to operate reliably and passengers are travelling in strong numbers, with that momentum set to build towards the summer peak,” he added.
Among UK airports, London Southend recorded the largest proportional increase in passenger numbers, up 247%, followed by Cardiff (+24%), Bournemouth (+14%) and Newcastle (+9%).
