Gatwick still worst in the country for flight delays

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.

- By NEIL SHAW [e-mail] @SurreyLive

Departures were an average of more than 23 minutes behind schedule in 2024, according to analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data by the PA news agency.

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

Flight delays are often caused by issues outside the control of airports.