However, these two localised shortages are not what is being experienced elsewhere in the world. In the UK, we still have around 500 unemployed pilots.

As of 2026, the United Kingdom continues to experience a significant shortage of pilots, mirroring a broader global aviation workforce crisis. While the industry has made substantial efforts to recover post-pandemic, the demand for air travel has surged faster than the "talent pipeline" can supply qualified flight crews. Major UK carriers like British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair are actively competing for experienced captains and first officers, particularly those rated for next-generation aircraft like the A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. The shortage is exacerbated by a wave of mandatory retirements among older pilots and the high cost of flight training for new cadets, which remains a barrier to entry. In 2026, airlines are increasingly offering improved remuneration packages, more predictable rosters, and accelerated command pathways to attract and retain staff. This "tight capacity" often results in limited buffers for flight operations, making the network more susceptible to delays during major weather events or technical disruptions.