Gatwick Airport has once again topped the list as the worst-performing airport in the UK for flight delays, according to newly released figures from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
In 2024, departures from Gatwick were delayed by an average of 23 minutes, despite this being a slight improvement on the previous year’s 27-minute average. The figures arrive just ahead of the busy summer travel season, raising concerns among travellers and industry experts about the airport’s ability to handle the surge in passenger numbers.
Mounting Pressure as Travel Season Approaches
Britain’s second-busiest airport has faced significant operational challenges over the past year, including air traffic control staff shortages across Europe and internal disruptions in its control tower. Most recently, over 100 members of the Unite union employed by ground handling firm Red Handling staged walkouts over pay and pensions, causing additional turmoil over the Easter weekend.
The latest figures also revealed that Birmingham Airport had the second-highest delay average, at just over 21 minutes, followed by Manchester Airport at 20 minutes. Stansted and Teesside completed the top five for worst delays.
The average delay across all UK airports in 2024 was 18 minutes and 24 seconds, slightly down from 20 minutes and 42 seconds in 2023.
Travel Industry Voices Frustration
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of the Advantage Travel Partnership, criticised the ongoing issues, saying:
“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.”
She warned that the emotional toll on travellers—many of whom save all year for their holidays—should not be underestimated. “Disruption can make people feel like their time and investment aren’t being respected,” she added.
With a hectic summer period expected, Lo Bue-Said urged airports and airlines to act now to rebuild consumer confidence and avoid further reputational damage.
Gatwick Response
A Gatwick Airport spokesperson responded to the data, acknowledging the continuing challenges:
“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’s ongoing issues have sparked renewed calls for infrastructure upgrades and better planning to ensure Britain’s airports can cope with demand.
