Gatwick Airport worst in UK for flight delays for second year

Gatwick has retained its position as the UK’s worst airport for flight delays, as it continues to suffer from air traffic control (ATC) disruption, data shows.

Departures from the West Sussex airport were an average of more than 23 minutes behind schedule in 2024, according to analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data.

This is an improvement from nearly 27 minutes during the previous 12 months but is still longer than at any other UK airport.

A Gatwick Airport spokesperson said: “Air traffic control restrictions in other parts of Europe have continued to impact the airport. Together with our airlines, we’ve put in place a robust plan… to improve on-time performance further in 2025.”

Gatwick, which is the UK’s second busiest airport, was badly affected by ATC staff shortages across continental Europe in 2024, and suffered the same problem in its own control tower.

Flights from Birmingham Airport had the second poorest punctuality record last year, with an average delay of more than 21 minutes.

In third place was Manchester Airport, with 20 minutes.

Belfast City Airport recorded the best punctuality performance in the UK for the second year in a row, with an average delay per flight of under 12 minutes.

Depending on the distance of the route and length of delay, passengers booked on flights from UK airports which are running behind schedule may be entitled to compensation.

However, ATC issues are considered to be an “extraordinary circumstance”, meaning affected passengers are not entitled to compensation.

The Gatwick spokesperson says the airport is “the world’s most efficient single-runway airport, with flights departing or arriving every 55 seconds”.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said in February she was prepared to support Gatwick’s expansion plan to bring its emergency runway into routine use, if the project is adjusted.

The airport has until Thursday to respond.

A Manchester Airport spokesperson says it is “committed to doing everything in our power to support all our carriers to achieve the best possible on-time departure rates.”

Additional reporting by PA Media.