New NATS Aviation Index shows strong public support for aviation’s economic value, with reliability, sustainability and future capacity dependent on modernising the UK’s aviation system
The UK public see aviation as vital to the country’s economy, global links and everyday life, according to the latest Aviation Index report published today by NATS.
The research, conducted by Ipsos, shows that most UK adults recognise the value aviation brings. More than eight in ten people (82%) agree aviation is important to the UK economy, while 90% recognise its contribution to maintaining the UK’s position as a globally connected nation.
People also see personal value in flying. Seven in ten (70%) agree that the advantages of air travel outweigh the disadvantages, while 62% say they personally benefit from being able to take flights from UK airports.
Commercial aviation has returned strongly following the pandemic. More than half of adults (55%) have flown commercially within the past 12 months, the highest level recorded since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Other key findings include:
- Two-thirds (66%) agree the aviation industry should prioritise investment in greener technologies.
- Around one-fifth would find it easier to switch from a petrol or diesel car to an electric vehicle to help tackle climate change
- Two-fifths (40%) of the UK public would be willing to use flying taxis if available. This is a significant increase from 34% in 2024. Top concerns related to using flying taxis include safety, cost and trust.
- 82% support drones for emergency services and 67% are comfortable with AI providing airport passenger information, but 76% are uncomfortable with AI managing air traffic control without human oversight.
As flying returns, the public is clear about what it wants from aviation. For the second consecutive year, ensuring flights arrive and depart on time is the public’s highest priority for the aviation industry, with 64% placing it ahead of reducing emissions (55%) and increasing airport capacity (30%).
Against this backdrop, the research points to growing recognition of the role airspace modernisation will play in supporting aviation’s future. More than two-thirds (68%) agree airport expansion cannot happen without modernising UK airspace, while 64% believe updating UK airspace should form part of the Government’s wider programme of infrastructure reform.
Simon Warr, Director of Communications, NATS said: “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.
“Modernising UK airspace is one of the most practical ways we can improve performance, support future growth and help aviation reduce its environmental impact, while maintaining the high safety standards the public rightly expects.”
Now in its ninth year, the Aviation Index provides one of the UK’s longest-running measures of public attitudes towards aviation, tracking how expectations have evolved as the sector has recovered from the pandemic and prepares for the future.
