Air travel can often be a stressful experience, especially when faced with delays that throw off tight schedules. Unfortunately, for travelers in the UK, some airports consistently rank among the worst for punctuality.
Gatwick Airport, located in West Sussex, has retained its position as the Worst UK Airports for flight delays, with departures averaging over 23 minutes behind schedule in 2024.
While this delay time has improved slightly compared to previous years, it remains the highest among major UK airports. In this blog, we will explore the ongoing challenges faced by Gatwick and other airports in the UK due to air traffic control (ATC) disruptions, and highlight the efforts being made to improve on-time performance.
Additionally, we will take a closer look at the other airports that have struggled with delays, including Manchester and Stansted, and provide an overview of the UK’s top ten worst airports for flight delays.
Gatwick’s Delays: The Root Causes
Gatwick’s continued struggles with flight delays are mainly attributed to ATC issues, both in its own control tower and across Europe. Air traffic control shortages in continental Europe, coupled with restrictions in the UK, have led to consistent delays at the airport.
Although Gatwick has worked closely with airlines to implement a more robust plan to improve punctuality, the impact of ATC staffing shortages continues to plague its operations. The airport has seen minor improvements, but delays averaging 23.6 minutes in 2024 remain among the worst in the UK.
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Despite these challenges, Gatwick is still one of the most efficient single-runway airports in the world, with flights departing and arriving every 55 seconds. However, when air traffic control is restricted, these operational limits become harder to manage, resulting in delays that affect thousands of passengers.
The Struggle for Other UK Airports
Gatwick may hold the title of the UK’s worst airport for delays, but it is not the only one facing issues. Other major airports, such as Stansted and Manchester, also rank high on the list for flight delays.
In fact, Stansted recorded an average delay of 20.3 minutes in 2024, making it the second-worst airport for delays in the UK, alongside Manchester, which also saw an average delay of 20.3 minutes.
Other airports, such as Southend, Birmingham, and Bournemouth, also faced delays averaging around 19 to 20 minutes per flight, making them some of the worst-performing airports in terms of punctuality.
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These delays, like those at Gatwick, are often caused by a mix of ATC staffing shortages, weather-related disruptions, and other logistical challenges that affect flight schedules.
While these airports are working to improve their on-time performance, the ongoing issues with air traffic control disruptions and the increasing number of flights during peak travel periods continue to create significant challenges for travelers.
In contrast to Gatwick and other airports plagued by delays, some airports in the UK have maintained impressive punctuality records. Belfast City Airport, for example, has managed to maintain the best on-time performance in the UK for the second year in a row, with an average delay of under 12 minutes per flight. This is a remarkable achievement for a smaller airport and highlights the importance of efficient operations and management in minimizing delays.
Belfast City’s performance serves as a stark contrast to the struggles faced by larger airports like Gatwick and Stansted. Smaller airports often benefit from more streamlined operations and lower passenger volumes, which allow for better control over delays and disruptions.
Top Ten Worst UK Airports for Flight Delays
The following table highlights the top ten worst UK airports for flight delays in 2024, based on the average delay per flight:
| Rank | Airport | Average Delay (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gatwick | 23.6 |
| 2 | Stansted | 20.3 |
| 3 | Manchester | 20.3 |
| 4 | Southend | 20.0 |
| 5 | Birmingham | 19.9 |
| 6 | Bournemouth | 18.9 |
| 7 | Bristol | 18.8 |
| 8 | Cardiff | 18.6 |
| 9 | Luton | 18.6 |
| 10 | Heathrow | 18.0 |
The Role of Air Traffic Control Disruptions
Air traffic control disruptions are often categorized as “extraordinary circumstances,” which means passengers are generally not entitled to compensation for delays caused by staffing shortages or restrictions elsewhere in Europe.
This policy has sparked frustration among travelers who feel that they should be compensated for the inconvenience, despite the fact that ATC issues are often beyond the control of the airport and airline.
At Gatwick, air traffic control issues have led to significant delays, and while the airport is working on plans to address these challenges, the persistent nature of these disruptions means that improvements may take time to materialize.
Gatwick Airport continues to lead the pack when it comes to delays in the UK, but it is far from the only airport facing these issues. Stansted, Manchester, and other major airports are also grappling with air traffic control disruptions, staff shortages, and logistical challenges that impact punctuality.
While efforts are being made to improve on-time performance, it is clear that the UK’s airports, particularly those in high-traffic areas, will continue to struggle with delays unless significant changes are made. In the meantime, airports like Belfast City offer a glimpse of what is possible when operational efficiency is prioritized.