Gatwick Airport has once again been ranked the worst in the UK for flight delays, according to new data released by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Despite marginal improvements compared to the previous year, the West Sussex hub – which primarily serves London – recorded an average departure delay of 23.6 minutes per flight in 2024.
This marks a slight reduction from 2023’s average delay of over 27 minutes. However, Gatwick still topped the list of the UK’s most delayed airports, a position it also held the previous year.
A spokesperson for Gatwick attributed the continued disruption to air traffic control (ATC) challenges, particularly those stemming from staffing issues in Europe and within its own control tower.
“ATC restrictions in other parts of Europe have continued to impact the airport. Together with our airlines, we’ve implemented a robust plan to further improve punctuality in 2025,” they said.
The airport – the UK’s second busiest – has been significantly affected by ATC staff shortages across the continent. In 2024, this issue was exacerbated by internal challenges at its own tower, further hindering operations.
Stansted Airport ranked second on the list, with an average delay of 20.3 minutes, closely followed by Manchester Airport, which posted the same delay figure.
At the other end of the scale, Belfast City Airport emerged as the most punctual for the second consecutive year, with average delays of under 12 minutes.
Despite the frustrations caused by persistent delays, many affected passengers may not be eligible for compensation.
Under EU and UK regulations, delays caused by ATC issues are considered “extraordinary circumstances” and therefore exempt from compensation requirements.
Gatwick, however, defended its performance, stating it remains “the world’s most efficient single-runway airport, with flights taking off or landing every 55 seconds.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander recently expressed a willingness to back Gatwick’s proposed expansion – which would see its emergency runway brought into regular operation – provided the scheme is modified appropriately. The airport has until Thursday to respond to the government’s request for project revisions.
Meanwhile, Manchester Airport stressed its commitment to improving punctuality, saying it is “doing everything in our power to support carriers in achieving better on-time performance.”
UK Airports with the Longest Average Delays in 2024
Gatwick – 23.6 minutes
Stansted – 20.3 minutes
Manchester – 20.3 minutes
Southend – 20.0 minutes
Birmingham – 19.9 minutes
Bournemouth – 18.9 minutes
Bristol – 18.8 minutes
Cardiff – 18.6 minutes
Luton – 18.6 minutes
Heathrow – 18.0 minutes
