Flights removed from the schedule: UK aviation
Published 8 May 2026
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The Department for Transport (DfT) analysis of OAG schedule data shows that around 1,200 departing passenger flights from the UK have been removed from schedules during the 6 weeks from 3 May 2026 to 14 June 2026.
This represents less than 1% of planned flights over this period. Airlines often change or remove a small number of flights based on demand and other operational factors.
This analysis is based on all flights departing from UK airports.
Calculating flights removed from the schedule
To calculate the flights that have been removed from the schedule during this 6-week window, DfT analysts took 2 snapshots of the same OAG schedule. One snapshot was taken on 22 March 2026 and the other snapshot was taken on 3 May 2026. These 2 snapshots were then compared to identify flights that had been added and removed during this period. DfT then combined the flights added and the flights removed to calculate a net change to the schedule.
The snapshot on 22 March 2026 showed that 126,900 flights were expected to depart from UK airports between 3 May and 14 June 2026. The snapshot taken on 3 May showed that 125,800 flights were still scheduled to depart from UK airports during this period, reflecting a reduction of around 1,200 flights from the schedule. This is less than 1% of the 126,900 flights originally scheduled. Figures may not add up exactly due to rounding.
Data used for this analysis
OAG is a leading global provider of digital flight information and analytics, covering over 900 airlines and 4,000 airports worldwide. OAG collects airline schedules data directly from airlines, airports, global distribution systems (GDSs) and other aviation industry partners through a combination of automated data feeds and direct submissions. This includes information such as:
- flight timings
- routes
- aircraft types
- frequencies
- operational updates
Once received, the data is standardised, validated and processed through OAG’s proprietary quality assurance systems. This involves identifying inconsistencies, resolving conflicts between multiple sources, applying formatting standards and continuously updating changes, such as cancellations, timetable adjustments and seasonal schedule updates.
For more information, contact: AviationResilienceDataRequests@dft.gov.uk.