Proactive Investors - Aviation's post-pandemic boom has been fuelled by a rising proportion of younger people taking trips, alongside those flying regularly, industry research revealed on Thursday.
Almost two-thirds of those aged between 18 and 35 in the UK flew in the year to October 2023, joined by less than half of those aged over 55, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said in a report.
This marks a shifting trend in those flying since the pandemic, with 55% of 18 to 35 year olds having flown in 2019, alongside 58% from the 55-plus bracket.
According to the regulator, older people were less likely to travel due to concerns over Covid-19, flight disruption, other health issues or even a general dislike of airports.
Younger people choosing not to fly generally cited budget concerns after costs rocketed over the year, meanwhile.
Frequent flyers also boosted passenger traffic, the CAA said.
Just 29% of those who flew during the year only did so once from the UK, the research also found, while a hefty 70% took multiple trips.
This was up on 33% and 66% respectively prior to 2019, with the CAA commenting that those who flew in 2023 were now more likely than ever to have flown again within a year.
In total, over half - 54% - of all UK adults flew at least once over the year, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels.
Short-haul airlines in particular have enjoyed a strong resurgence in demand since pandemic restrictions were eased, with the likes of Ryanair (LON:0RYA) Holdings PLC (LSE:RYA) and Wizz Air Holdings PLC (AIM:LON:WIZZ) having reported record monthly traffic stats over the year.
Rival budget carrier easyJet (LON:EZJ) also reported record summer trading during the year, attributing strong demand to low costs..