Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on July 23rd, 2026
•Recent research from the NATS Aviation Index reveals that UK passengers prioritise punctuality above all other aspects of air travel. As the number of people flying commercially increases, the demand for timely departures and arrivals has become clearer than ever. This year's findings indicate that a significant majority of the public favours reliability in their journeys, highlighting a shift in expectations for the aviation industry.
Public Priorities
According to the 2026 Aviation Index, released on 23 July 2026, ensuring flights are on time is the top priority for 64% of UK adults. This marks the second year in a row that punctuality has outstripped other concerns such as cutting emissions and expanding airport capacity. Specifically, the survey found:
55% of respondents believe reducing emissions is important.
Only 30% place a priority on increasing airport capacity.
This emphasis on punctuality underscores how vital reliable travel is to people, especially as commercial flying reaches its highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rising Number of Passengers
The 2026 report shows that more than half (55%) of UK adults have flown commercially in the past year, the highest figure since 2020. Almost all adults in the UK (94%) have taken a commercial flight at some point in their lives. This increase in air travel demonstrates a growing confidence in the aviation sector as it continues to recover from the pandemic.
Perceptions of Air Travel
Further insights from the survey reveal that:
70% of participants believe the benefits of air travel outweigh its drawbacks.
62% feel they personally gain from having access to flights from UK airports.
90% consider the cost of flying as a crucial factor when deciding whether to travel by air.
Interestingly, the survey also highlighted a willingness among the public to consider alternative transport options. For instance, 36% would opt for public transport instead of driving to airports, and 35% would prefer trains or other public transport over domestic flights when it makes sense.
Innovative Ideas for the Future
Looking ahead, 40% of UK adults expressed interest in using flying taxis if they became available. However, concerns about safety, cost, and trust remain significant barriers. Additionally, the survey indicated a strong public comfort level with artificial intelligence (AI) in specific roles. For example, 67% of respondents would feel comfortable with AI providing passenger information at airports, yet 76% are uneasy about AI managing air traffic control without human oversight.
Modernising Aviation Infrastructure
The research strongly suggests that to meet these expectations, the UK's aviation system needs modernisation. Over two-thirds (68%) of respondents believe that airport expansion cannot proceed without updating the airspace system, while 64% think that improving airspace should be part of the government's broader infrastructure reform plans. Simon Warr, Director of Communications at NATS, commented on the findings, stating:
"The findings show that the public continues to value aviation and expect it to deliver reliable and sustainable journeys. Meeting those expectations means ensuring the aviation system is fit for the future."
Warr further explained that modernising UK airspace is one of the most effective ways to enhance performance, support growth, and reduce the environmental impact of aviation while maintaining high safety standards.
About the Survey
This year’s Aviation Index was produced in partnership with Ipsos and involved an online survey conducted from 17 to 21 April 2026, with 1,220 adults aged 18 and over participating. The data collected was adjusted to reflect a representative sample of the UK population, taking into account factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and region.
The NATS Aviation Index has been a key measure of public attitudes towards aviation for nine years, tracking how expectations have evolved as the sector continues to adapt following the pandemic. With air travel becoming a more integral part of life again, understanding public priorities is crucial for shaping the future of aviation in the UK.
Read the full findings in the NATS Aviation Index 2026 report