AESA General Activity Report 2025: growth of the sector and advances in safety and innovation

• The Spanish commercial air market reached 272 million passengers, 4.8% more than in 2024, while Spanish airports recorded 321.9 million passenger movements.
• The drone sector continued to grow, with 150,332 UAS operators registered with AESA, 26% more than the previous year.
• Among the main milestones of the year are the commissioning of the first digital control tower in Spain and the consolidation of the Agency's Event Notification System (SNS).

Madrid, 23 October 2026 (AESA)

The State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) has published its General Activity Report 2025, a document that includes the evolution of the aviation sector and the main actions developed by the Agency during that period. The report provides an overview of oversight, inspection and authorisation activity, as well as initiatives to strengthen aviation safety, accompany technological transformation and protect the rights of air transport users.

The growth of air traffic and drones

The Spanish aviation sector maintained the growth trend of recent years in 2025. The number of passengers carried on commercial flights reached 272 million, an increase of 4.8% compared to 2024. For their part, Spanish airports recorded 321.9 million passenger movements, 4% more, and 2.709 million operations, with an increase of 4.1%. Cargo transported in commercial traffic grew by 7.2%.

The development of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) also continued to advance. At the end of 2025, AESA counted 150,332 registered operators, an increase of 26% compared to the previous year. This evolution reflects the expansion of drone applications and the importance of continuing to develop a regulatory framework that allows the sector to be promoted safely and responsibly.

Oversight and safety

During 2025, EASA carried out 2,246 ex officio regulatory control inspections and processed 8,755 approvals and authorisations on demand. The main activity figures also include the analysis of 59,670 civil aviation events and the implementation of 2,826 preventive safety actions. In the area of user rights, the Agency handled 30,097 passenger complaints.

One of the milestones of the exercise was the commissioning of the first digital control tower in Spain at Vigo airport. On 17 June 2025, a flight from a digital tower was managed for the first time in Spain, an advance in the provision of air control services that allows to explore more flexible operating models. AESA participated in the project since its inception to ensure that its commissioning was carried out with all the security guarantees.

In addition, it is worth highlighting the consolidation of the AESA Event Reporting System (SNS), an essential tool to identify risks and contribute to the prevention of incidents and accidents. By 2025, the system had recorded more than 400,000 occurrences and 500,000 associated notifications, marking a new milestone in the aviation safety culture in Spain. The information collected allows us to analyze trends, extract knowledge and promote preventive measures, reinforcing the safety culture shared by professionals and organizations in the sector.

Innovation and adaptation to new challenges

The report also includes progress in adapting the regulatory framework to technological developments. In the field of drones, AESA worked on the implementation of the SORA 2.5 methodology for risk assessment of specific category UAS operations, updating support materials for operators and organizing an information day on their application.

These initiatives are part of the Agency’s ongoing work to improve its oversight procedures, boost coordination with the sector and anticipate new aviation challenges, including cybersecurity, the incorporation of new technologies and the evolution of air operations.

The 2025 General Activity Report also includes actions developed in areas such as airworthiness, air operations, airport safety, air navigation, training and licensing of flight personnel, civil aviation safety and international technical collaboration.

With the publication of this report, AESA presents the main results of its activity during 2025 and reaffirms its commitment to safe, efficient, sustainable aviation and adapted to the needs of society.

See the full 2025 General Activity Report here.