More people think the aviation industry should focus on improving flight punctuality rather than reducing emissions, a new survey suggests.
Some 63% of UK adults said ensuring planes take off and land on time should be a priority for the sector.
By comparison, 56% of respondents said the same for cutting emissions. The figure for cutting emissions has risen from 53% in 2024 but is down from 70% in 2020.
Net zero target
Air traffic control provider Nats commissioned the research. The Government has a target for the UK aviation industry to reach net zero for carbon emissions by 2050.
There are concerns that green policies, such as using more sustainable aviation fuel, could push up air fares for passengers.
Nats said it has worked closely with aviation partners over the past year to improve punctuality and resilience.
This includes using tools such as intelligent approach, which optimises the distances between arriving aircraft.
The air traffic control said it was responsible for 1.2% of total delays to flights en route to Europe in June, despite handling nearly a quarter of all air traffic.
Thousands of UK airline passengers have suffered delays in recent months because of industrial action by French air traffic control staff.
The survey found that 52% of UK adults had flown internationally in the previous 12 months, while 32% took domestic flights. Some 26% of respondents expected to fly more frequently in the following year.
Growing acceptance of aviation technology
There appears to be increasing acceptance of aviation innovation, including drones, flying taxis and artificial intelligence-enabled services, the poll suggested.
Some 68% of respondents supported using AI to screen bags, while 50% favoured it managing flight routing.
Simon Warr, Nats' communications director, said: "The 2025 Aviation Index highlights the public's clear priorities: reliable service, greater environmental performance, and smart use of innovation. 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."
The survey of 1,217 UK adults was conducted online by research company Ipsos on April 9 and 10.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
