Gatwick Airport ranked as the UK’s most delayed airport in 2024, with flights departing from the West Sussex location running over 23 minutes behind schedule on average. This data, analyzed from Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) information by PA news agency, showed a slight improvement from the previous year’s average delay of almost 27 minutes. Despite being the second busiest airport in the UK, Gatwick faced challenges in 2024 due to shortages of air traffic control (ATC) staff not only in continental Europe but also within its own control tower.
In the list of UK airports with the longest delays, Birmingham Airport took the second spot last year, experiencing delays averaging more than 21 minutes, while Manchester Airport ranked third with a 20-minute delay average, according to Surrey Live.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership, a group of independent travel agents, emphasized the impact of flight disruptions on holidaymakers who work hard to save for their vacations, feeling their time and money are not being respected. She stressed the importance of reliable service, clear communication, and efficient operations as standard practices for airports.
With the upcoming busy summer season, airports and airlines are urged to maintain consumer confidence in travel. Belfast City (George Best) airport stood out for its punctuality, boasting an average flight delay of less than 12 minutes, leading the UK airports in on-time performance.
Passengers facing delays at UK airports are entitled to assistance based on the flight’s distance and duration of delay, including provisions for food, communication, and potential overnight accommodation. Airlines may struggle to meet these obligations during disruptions, and passengers may be eligible for compensation up to £520 for delays within the carrier’s control.
Air traffic control issues are considered extraordinary circumstances, exempting affected passengers from compensation. CAA director Selina Chadha emphasized the industry’s efforts to minimize disruptions and comply with legal obligations to assist passengers.
Gatwick Airport’s spokesperson mentioned ongoing impacts from air traffic control restrictions in Europe and outlined plans to enhance on-time performance in 2025, including new flight spacing techniques and remote coordination of jet bridges. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed support for Gatwick’s proposal to utilize its standby runway regularly, pending refinement of the plans by April 24.
Manchester Airport affirmed its commitment to supporting carriers for optimal on-time departures. AirportsUK highlighted the aviation industry’s recovery from the pandemic and the collaborative efforts to improve service and reduce delays for passengers.
Birmingham Airport chose not to comment on the issue. The punctuality rankings for UK airports in 2024, from longest to shortest average delay per departing flight, were as follows:
1. Gatwick (23 minutes and 18 seconds)
2. Birmingham (21 minutes and 18 seconds)
3. Manchester (20 minutes)
4. Stansted (19 minutes and 36 seconds)
5. Teesside (19 minutes and six seconds)
6. Exeter (19 minutes)
7. Edinburgh (18 minutes and six seconds)
8. Bournemouth (17 minutes and 48 seconds)
9. Luton (17 minutes and 42 seconds)
10. Cardiff Wales (17 minutes and 36 seconds)
11. Heathrow (17 minutes and 24 seconds)
11. Newcastle (17 minutes and 24 seconds)
13. Bristol (17 minutes and six seconds)
14. Southampton (16 minutes and 24 seconds)
15. Leeds Bradford (16 minutes)
16. Glasgow (15 minutes and 12 seconds)
17. London City (15 minutes and six seconds)
18. Belfast International (14 minutes and 42 seconds)
19. Aberdeen (13 minutes and 18 seconds)
20. Liverpool (John Lennon) (12 minutes and 42 seconds)
21. East Midlands International (12 minutes and 30 seconds)
22. Belfast City (George Best) (11 minutes and 36 seconds)