New data from the UK Civil Aviation Authority shows that rising passenger numbers are expected to continue this year, with nearly one-third of consumers (31%) planning to fly more in 2026 than they did last year.
The survey indicates that the desire to travel by air in 2026 is especially strong among younger travelers. Nearly half (47%) of those aged 18–34 say they plan to take more flights this year, compared with 29% of travelers aged 35–54. Among those aged 55 and older, travel plans remain relatively stable, with 22% expecting to fly more.
Overall satisfaction with the air travel experience has reached an all-time high, with 88% of passengers reporting they are satisfied — the highest level since tracking began in 2016.
The data also shows that the number of consumers filing complaints following disrupted flights has remained stable at 15%. Meanwhile, satisfaction with how complaints are handled has significantly improved, rising to 72%, an increase of 10 percentage points compared with last year.
Selina Chadha, Group Director of Consumers and Markets at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
“Consumers want to fly more, and 2026 is shaping up to be another year of growth driven by demand from younger passengers.
“While it is encouraging that 88% of consumers are satisfied with their overall flying experience, satisfaction levels are lower among certain vulnerable groups — including passengers with accessibility or disability needs, those facing digital barriers, and those dealing with financial constraints.
“It’s encouraging to see improved satisfaction with complaint handling, and we encourage the industry to continue focusing on resolving passenger issues as efficiently as possible.”
Additional findings from the survey include:
-
More than half of consumers (55%) expect their flying habits to remain unchanged this year, although some vulnerable groups continue to face barriers to travel.
-
Disabled passengers are less likely to have flown in the past 12 months (42%), and satisfaction levels are lower among travelers with accessibility needs (82%), those with limited digital skills (80%), and financially vulnerable consumers (80%).
-
Cost remains the most frequently cited barrier to flying, with 36% of non-flyers pointing to financial limitations as the main reason for not traveling by air in the past year.
-
Overall satisfaction with value for money has reached its highest level since 2021, at 76%.
-
While three-quarters of consumers say they are concerned about the environment and climate change, only 32% believe reducing aviation’s environmental impact should be the industry’s top priority.
