Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • NATS registers increase in flights handled in December

Aerospace

NATS registers increase in flights handled in December

NATS has revealed that it safely handled 181,015 flights in December, an increase of 1.5% on December 2023.

Image courtesy NATS

Non-transatlantic arrivals and departures showed most growth, with 4.1% more flights than a year ago. Spain, France and Germany were the busiest routes.
 
According to Eurocontrol, NATS handled more than 24% of Europe’s traffic in December and was accountable for just 0.4% of delay. A total of 99.8% of flights received no NATS-attributable delay, whilst the average delay per delayed flight was 11.3 minutes.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 
Advertisement
ODU RT

Kathryn Leahy, Chief Operations Officer, said: “The draw of Europe’s Christmas markets may have been behind last month’s growth routes, but December is always busy and we do our very best to make sure that everyone’s travel goes according to plan.  

"In the face of some very challenging weather conditions, our team pulled out all the stops and I am very pleased that we were able to keep the average delay so low.  It was a good performance.”

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
ATC punctuality stays high as air traffic grows

Aerospace

ATC punctuality stays high as air traffic grows

26 May 2026

Almost 98% of UK flights operated punctually in April, according to figures from UK air traffic controller NATS.

Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10

Aerospace

Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10

26 May 2026

Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four additional A350F freighters, taking its total order for the type to 10 aircraft.

Loganair signs SAF offtake agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight

Aerospace

Loganair signs SAF offtake agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight

26 May 2026

Loganair and ClimaHtech Green Flight today announced a 15-year Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offtake agreement, supporting the long-term decarbonisation of regional aviation in the UK.

NMIS reveals cold spray solution for copper rocket nozzle manufacturing

Aerospace

NMIS reveals cold spray solution for copper rocket nozzle manufacturing

26 May 2026

Engineers at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) have developed a copper rocket nozzle manufacturing route using high-pressure cold spray, showcasing the technology’s potential as a large-scale, rapid additive manufacturing solution for efficiently producing high-performance components.

Advertisement
ODU RT
RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB