NATS at present printed the findings from its eighth annual Aviation Index, revealing that on-time efficiency is the UK public’s prime precedence for the aviation trade in 2025.
The outcomes present that whereas environmental points stay necessary, 63% of respondents rank punctual arrivals and departures as their main precedence for the trade, forward of decreasing emissions (56%).
Commissioned by NATS and performed by Ipsos UK, the 2025 Index captures an in depth image of public sentiment on air journey, sustainability, and innovation. The findings present that individuals proceed to recognise aviation as necessary to the UK’s economic system. Nonetheless, there’s a rising expectation that the trade ought to concentrate on actions to enhance efficiency and improve reliability.
Over the previous 12 months, NATS has been working carefully with trade companions to boost punctuality and resilience, drawing on instruments reminiscent of Clever Method, which helps optimised plane spacing on arrival. These applied sciences assist airways and airports reply to the very points passengers care most about, together with diminished delays and better operational predictability, in addition to decreasing total carbon emissions. In June 2025, NATS safely managed 237,215 flights—up 2.5% from June 2024—and contributed simply 1.2% of whole European en-route delays, regardless of dealing with almost 1 / 4 of European Air Site visitors.
Alongside efficiency, sustainability stays entrance of thoughts. Over half (56%) of these surveyed consider decreasing emissions needs to be a precedence, though solely 4% consider particular person travellers bear main accountability. As a substitute, the general public is trying to authorities (30%), airways (26%), and trade our bodies reminiscent of NATS and the CAA (23%) to guide significant local weather motion.
The report additionally reveals journey habits have stabilised. Prior to now 12 months, 52% of UK adults reported flying internationally, whereas 32% flew domestically. These figures provide a extra detailed view of flying habits than earlier years—the place, in 2024, 50% of the general public had flown both domestically or internationally inside the prior 12 months. One in 4 (26%) anticipate to fly extra within the yr forward, notably amongst youthful adults and ethnic minorities. The price of flying stays a key think about journey choices, cited by 89% of respondents.
Consciousness of airspace modernisation continues to develop from 15% in 2024 saying they’ve heard and know a minimum of somewhat about modernisation plans to 24% this yr. Assist for altering flight paths (after outlining among the benefits and downsides) has additionally elevated reaching 52%, up from 42% final yr. The bulk (69%) agree that increasing UK airport capability is dependent upon upgrading the nation’s airspace infrastructure.
There’s additionally rising acceptance in aviation innovation, together with drones, flying taxis, and AI-enabled providers. Whereas the general public see security and human oversight as non-negotiables, there’s an acceptance of automation the place it enhances outcomes – for instance, 68% help AI for bags screening and 50% for managing flight routing.
“The 2025 Aviation Index highlights the general public’s clear priorities: dependable service, better environmental efficiency, and sensible use of innovation,” stated Simon Warr, NATS’ Communications Director. “Because the aviation trade continues to modernise, aligning with these expectations will likely be key to sustaining public belief and delivering the advantages aviation brings to society.”
Obtain the complete NATS Aviation Index 2025 HERE.
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