NATS Aviation Index 2025: Punctuality and sustainability top priorities in NATS 2025 public survey
NATS today published the findings from its eighth annual Aviation Index, revealing that on-time performance is the UK public’s top priority for the aviation industry in 2025.
The results show that while environmental issues remain important, 63 per cent of respondents rank punctual arrivals and departures as their leading priority for the industry, ahead of reducing emissions (56 per cent).
Commissioned by NATS and conducted by Ipsos UK, the 2025 Index captures a detailed picture of public sentiment on air travel, sustainability, and innovation. The findings show that people continue to recognise aviation as important to the UK’s economy. However, there is a growing expectation that the industry should focus on actions to improve performance and enhance reliability.
Over the past 12 months, NATS has been working closely with industry partners to enhance punctuality and resilience, drawing on tools such as Intelligent Approach, which supports optimised aircraft spacing on arrival. These technologies help airlines and airports respond to the very issues passengers care most about, including reduced delays and greater operational predictability, as well as reducing overall carbon emissions. In June 2025, NATS safely managed 237,215 flights—up 2.5 per cent from June 2024—and contributed just 1.2 per cent of total European en-route delays, despite handling nearly a quarter of European Air Traffic.
Alongside performance, sustainability remains front of mind. Over half (56 per cent) of those surveyed believe reducing emissions should be a priority, although only four per cent believe individual travellers bear primary responsibility. Instead, the public is looking to government (30 per cent), airlines (26 per cent), and industry bodies such as NATS and the CAA (23 per cent) to lead meaningful climate action.
The report also shows travel habits have stabilised. In the past 12 months, 52 per cent of UK adults reported flying internationally, while 32 per cent flew domestically. These figures offer a more detailed view of flying habits than previous years—where, in 2024, 50 per cent of the public had flown either domestically or internationally within the prior 12 months. One in four (26 per cent) expect to fly more in the year ahead, particularly among younger adults and ethnic minorities. The cost of flying remains a key factor in travel decisions, cited by 89 per cent of respondents.
Awareness of airspace modernisation continues to grow from 15 per cent in 2024 saying they have heard and know at least a little about modernisation plans to 24 per cent this year.  Support for changing flight paths (after outlining some of the advantages and disadvantages) has also increased reaching 52 per cent, up from 42 per cent last year. The majority (69 per cent) agree that expanding UK airport capacity depends on upgrading the nation’s airspace infrastructure.
There is also growing acceptance in aviation innovation, including drones, flying taxis, and AI-enabled services. While the public see safety and human oversight as non-negotiables, there is an acceptance of automation where it enhances outcomes – for example, 68% support AI for baggage screening and 50 per cent for managing flight routing.
“The 2025 Aviation Index highlights the public’s clear priorities: reliable service, greater environmental performance, and smart use of innovation,” said Simon Warr, NATS’ Communications Director. “As the aviation industry continues to modernise, aligning with these expectations will be key to maintaining public trust and delivering the benefits aviation brings to society.”
Download the full NATS Aviation Index 2025 HERE.
