Ground support activity across airport operations soared in the first half of 2025, new data reveals.

UK airport ground operations grew by 13% in active service vehicles in the first half of 2025

The new Targa Telematics Observatory shows that UK airport ground operations grew by 11% in activity hours and 13% in active service vehicles in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This puts the UK ahead of global averages and reflects strong momentum in the sector.

Notably, during the Easter travel period, UK airports experienced sharp spikes in activity, over 47% on 17 April, highlighting the ongoing recovery and the role of connected GSE (Ground Support Equipment) in optimising performance.

Targa Telematics is a global leader in IoT and digital mobility solutions, with over four million connected assets under management worldwide. The Targa Telematics Observatory analyses data from connected airport service vehicles (GSE – ground support equipment), including passenger buses, towing tractors, luggage carts, loading/unloading vehicles, and GPUs (ground power units).

Across Europe, airport ground operations also saw a notable uplift. During the Easter travel period, activity rose by an average of 13%, compared to the UK’s much steeper spikes of 47.3% on Thursday 17 April and 42.9% on Friday 18 April.

Across the first half of 2025, Europe recorded a 13.67% increase in activity hours and 12% growth in active vehicles, underlining a continent-wide recovery, with the UK closely aligned, yet still outperforming global trends.

A spokesperson for Targa Telematics said: “As travel demand continues to rebound and airport operators optimise their ground support strategies, the UK’s growth signals both near-term resilience and long-term opportunity for the aviation sector.”