UK Aviation Hits Record Passenger Numbers Despite Middle East Disruption

UK Civil Aviation Authority data shows that in Q2 2026, passenger numbers at UK airports exceeded 81 million, a record high, despite disruption from the Middle East conflict. Growth was driven largely by low-cost carriers, with Ryanair and Jet2 both seeing 9% year-on-year growth. Short-haul European routes were strong, with passenger numbers to Madrid and Barcelona up 15% and 11% respectively. Asia also saw significant growth, with China up 11%, Pakistan up 307%, and India up 5%.