The UK’s aviation sector is still yet to return to pre-pandemic departure levels, according to new research.
Figures published on Thursday (2 March) by aviation analytics firm Cirium claim UK departures scheduled for March had grown 31% compared to March 2022 to 71,617 flights and more than 12.5 million seats.
Nevertheless, numbers are still 15% down on March 2019 levels.
Aviation commentator Sally Gethin told TTG Cirium’s data is not unusual.
“It shows a year of continued growth despite challenges in the last 12 months, including recruitment shortages, debt burdens from covid lockdowns and border closures, as well as higher operating costs due to the energy crisis and inflationary pressures,” she said.
Heathrow is expected to report its highest number of departures this month since January 2020, with more than 18,860 flights set to take off.
In contrast, scheduled departures at London Southend have fallen to one - 99.8% below March 2019 numbers.
Find contacts for 260+ travel suppliers. Type name, company or destination.