According to official data, London Gatwick is the worst airport for delays in the United Kingdom. The delays are attributed to air traffic control (ATC) disruptions.
In 2024, flights taking off from the airport were delayed by an average of over 23 minutes, according to data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This makes the UK’s second-busiest airport the least punctual in the country, continuing its infamous streak from 2023.
Gatwick Airport was a bit more punctual in 2024, with average delays of 23 minutes, an improvement from the 27-minute delays in 2023. This progress is attributed to NATS, the airport’s ATC service, which addressed issues such as staff shortages that previously impacted flight schedules.
According to a Gatwick representative, the airport has continued to experience the impact of restrictions on air traffic control. The representative also added that the airport is “the world’s most efficient single-runway airport, with departing or arriving every 55 seconds.”
Additionally, the spokesperson explained that Gatwick and the airlines have a “robust plan” to improve services and performance in 2025. Efforts to increase efficiency involve a new system for managing the separation of incoming aircraft and a trial program for the remote operation of jet bridges that connect to planes.
We’ve announced our financial results for 2024.
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) March 20, 2025
We welcomed 43.2 million passengers through London Gatwick last year, up 5.7% on 2023. We now have more airlines than ever before serving the airport, providing even better choice for travellers.
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10 UK airports with the longest average flight delays
| Rank | Airport | Average delay time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gatwick | 23 minutes |
| 2 | Birmingham | 21 minutes |
| 3 | Manchester | 20 minutes |
| 4 | Stansted | 19 minutes 36 seconds |
| 5 | Teesside | 19 minutes 6 seconds |
| 6 | Exeter | 19 minutes |
| 7 | Edinburgh | 18 minutes |
| 8 | Bournemouth | 17 minutes 48 seconds |
| 9 | Luton | 17 minutes 42 seconds |
| 10 | Cardiff, Wales | 17 minutes 36 seconds |
However, because ATC problems are classified as an “extraordinary circumstance,” passengers whose flights are affected are not eligible for compensation.
“Reliable service, clear communication and efficient operations should be the standard,” said Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents.
In February 2025, Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, stated that she’s open to backing Gatwick’s expansion, which includes bringing its backup runway into regular operation to enhance resilience, if modifications are made. The airport has until 24 April to provide a response.
“The industry works hard to ensure flights are punctual, but sometimes delays occur,” said Selina Chadra, a director at the CAA.
While Birmingham Airport declined to comment, a Manchester Airport spokesperson stated that they are “committed to doing everything in our power to support all our carriers to achieve the best possible on-time departure rates.”
