Gatwick has retained its unwanted title as the country’s worst airport for delays – with departures last year running on average 23 minutes late.
The figures come as a busy summer holiday period looms and amid a warning from the travel industry that such delays risk leaving passengers feeling that they are not ‘respected’.
The data is an improvement for Gatwick from nearly 27 minutes in the previous 12 months but it is still longer than at any other domestic airport, said the Civil Aviation Authority.
Last year saw Britain’s second busiest airport hit by air traffic control staff shortages across Europe and problems in its own control tower. Gatwick also faced fresh disruption over the Easter weekend with more than 100 members of the Unite union striking from Friday until tomorrow over pay and pensions.
The walkout involves ground handling firm Red Handling. Julia Lo Bue-Said, of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said many holidaymakers save all year for their trips so disruption can cause an ’emotional toll’ as they feel ‘their time and investment aren’t being respected’. She added: ‘Passengers expect and deserve not to spend hours stuck in terminals with little information or support.
‘Reliable service, clear communication and efficient operations should be the standard, not the exception, and airports must take this responsibility seriously.
‘This summer is set to be exceptionally busy, therefore it is essential airports and airlines do all they can to ensure consumer confidence to travel remains high.’
The Civil Aviation Authority figures showed Birmingham airport had the second poorest delay record in 2024, with an average of more than 21 minutes, followed by Manchester at 20 minutes.
Gatwick has retained its unwanted title as the country’s worst airport for delays – with departures last year running on average 23 minutes late
Gatwick was joined by Birmingham, Manchester, Stansted and Teesside airports in the top five
The Civil Aviation Authority figures showed Birmingham airport had the second poorest delay record in 2024, with an average of more than 21 minutes, followed by Manchester at 20 minutes
A spokesman for Gatwick 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.’
