CAA data indicates continued growth ahead for UK aviation in 2026

New data from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) suggests the UK’s aviation sector is poised for further growth in 2026, with rising passenger demand in recent consumer research.

image: Shutterstock

According to figures published in early February, nearly two thirds of consumers surveyed (62%) said they had flown in the past 12 months, and around one in three (31%) expect to travel by air more frequently this year compared with 2025.

Overall satisfaction with flying was reported at 88%, the highest level since the CAA began tracking in 2016, although satisfaction varied among different groups of passengers.

The data shows that younger adults appear particularly inclined to increase their travel in 2026. Almost half (47%) of 18 to 34 year olds surveyed said they plan to take more flights this year, compared with smaller shares among older groups.

The CAA’s analysis also highlighted that while the proportion of passengers making complaints after flight disruptions remained roughly 15%, satisfaction with how complaints were handled increased to 72%, marking a notable rise from the previous year.

Cost was identified in the data as the most significant barrier to flying, but the CAA found that satisfaction with value for money was at its highest since 2021. It also pointed out that some vulnerable groups — including passengers with accessibility or disability needs — were less likely to have flown in the past year and reported lower satisfaction levels overall.

Selina Chadha, Group Director of Consumers and Markets at the CAA, reported that while the overall outlook was positive, ongoing attention to passenger experience and industry responsiveness to consumer needs remains important.

The CAA publishes regular data and analysis on sector performance as part of its regulatory oversight of the UK aviation market.