UK's worst airport 32m passengers use each year named with best only 30 minute drive away
There are few things in life more frustrating than having your flight delayed, whether you are dreaming of sitting by the pool or feeling eager to get back home.
Airlines in general are having a rather tough time of things right now given the jet fuel shortage amid the war between the US and Iran, but that hasn't stopped millions from wanting to go on their holidays for a much-needed break this summer.
There's always a risk that you might get delayed when travelling, particularly with the new entry exit systems that have been integrated into a lot of European airports, causing huge delays since they were first introduced in April.
But even if you manage to scrape through security and find your gate nice and early, there's still always a chance that your flight won't set off on time, and now a study has revealed where you might be waiting the longest for your flight in the UK.
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Sadly, it seems as if the north is never allowed anything nice, and it truly breaks my heart to confirm that Manchester was top of the list when ranked by average delay times in 2025.
According to analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data by the Press Association (PA), customers were made to wait an average of 19 minutes and 30 seconds more than expected last year, with Birmingham and Bournemouth rounding off the top three.
It was, however, an improvement for the UK's third busiest airport as it improved by 30 seconds compared to 2024, although the 32 million customers who passed through there might not have been too bothered about that slight difference.
A spokesperson for Manchester airport told Sky News: "Punctuality is affected by factors that are outside of an airport's control.
"The two most significant factors contributing to delays in the last year have been industrial action affecting air traffic control in Europe and the weather.
"These were exacerbated by airspace restrictions above conflict zones, meaning airports with significant long-haul networks, like Manchester, were more significantly affected than others.
"As an industry, we are working collectively to achieve the best possible on-time departure rates while protecting flight schedules and avoiding the need for cancellations."
Bournemouth also cited reasons that were out of its control as the main factor in delays, although it appears as if UK airports on the whole are improving on this front.
The average delay for departures was 14 minutes and 54 seconds, down from 18 minutes and 24 seconds in 2024.
The full list of results can be seen below:
- Manchester - 19 minutes, 30 seconds
- Birmingham - 18 minutes, 42 seconds
- Bournemouth - 17 minutes, 18 seconds
- Southampton - 16 minutes, 36 seconds
- Gatwick - 16 minutes, 24 seconds
- Newcastle - 15 minutes, 48 seconds
- Leeds Bradford - 15 minutes, 36 seconds
- Stansted - 15 minutes, 36 seconds
- Edinburgh - 15 minutes, 24 seconds
- Teesside - 15 minutes, 6 seconds
- Cardiff - 14 minutes, 54 seconds
- Exeter - 14 minutes, 54 seconds
- Bristol - 14 minutes, 36 seconds
- London City - 14 minutes, 12 seconds
- Luton - 14 minutes, 12 seconds
- Heathrow - 12 minutes, 42 seconds
- Belfast International - 12 minutes, 24 seconds
- Glasgow - 12 minutes, 6 seconds
- Belfast City - 12 minutes, 6 seconds
- East Midlands - 11 minutes, 48 seconds
- Aberdeen - 10 minutes, 54 seconds
- Southend - 10 minutes, 24 seconds
- Liverpool John Lennon - nine minutes, 24 seconds
Although this data was based purely on delay times, a Which survey in 2025 also saw Manchester crowned as the unfortunate winner.
Topics: Travel
James Moorhouse