Manchester Airport Tops List for Worst Flight Delays in 2025
New data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has revealed that Manchester Airport recorded the longest average departure delays among UK airports in 2025. Departures from the nation's third busiest airport ran an average of 19 minutes and 30 seconds behind schedule last year, placing it at the top of the list for poor punctuality.
In contrast, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, located less than 30 miles from Manchester, achieved the best punctuality with an average delay of just nine minutes and 24 seconds. The study examined scheduled and chartered departures across 23 commercial UK airports that operated at least 1,000 outbound flights in 2025, excluding cancellations.
Other Airports in the Rankings
Birmingham Airport recorded the second worst flight punctuality with an average delay of 18 minutes and 42 seconds, followed by Bournemouth Airport at 17 minutes and 18 seconds. Southampton Airport ranked fourth with 16 minutes and 36 seconds, while Gatwick Airport placed fifth with 16 minutes and 24 seconds. London airports varied: Stansted and Leeds Bradford tied for seventh at 15 minutes and 36 seconds, London City and Luton tied for 14th at 14 minutes and 12 seconds, and Heathrow ranked 16th with 12 minutes and 42 seconds. The overall average departure delay across all airports was 14 minutes and 54 seconds, a notable improvement from 18 minutes and 24 seconds in 2024.
Factors Behind Delays
Flight delays often stem from factors beyond airports' control, including air traffic control (ATC) disruption and adverse weather conditions. A Manchester Airport spokesperson noted that industrial action affecting ATC in Europe and weather were significant contributors, exacerbated by airspace restrictions over conflict zones that disproportionately affected airports with extensive long-haul networks like Manchester. The airport recently completed a £1.3 billion overhaul, modernising and doubling Terminal 2, while work on Terminal 3 continues.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, criticised Manchester's performance, stating that it ranked last in their airport survey for four consecutive years and that the CAA figures validate why it is a particularly poor place to be stranded during delays. He added that such consistent underperformance makes it difficult for passengers to book with confidence.
Passenger Rights and Industry Response
Based on delay duration and flight distance, travellers on postponed flights are eligible for assistance, including food, drink, communication facilities, and overnight accommodation. They may also claim compensation up to £520 from the carrier if the delay is within its control, such as aircraft malfunction or pilot illness. However, ATC problems are considered an extraordinary circumstance, exempting airlines from financial redress.
Anna Bowles, head of consumer at the CAA, emphasised that the aviation sector must focus on delivering punctual and reliable journeys, as delays have a real impact on passengers. When disruption occurs, the industry's response matters, and passengers should be kept informed and given entitled support. A spokesperson for AirportsUK stated that passengers are benefiting from service improvements, with delays in 2025 significantly down from the previous year.
Full Ranking of UK Airports by Departure Delays in 2025
- 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 – 9 minutes 24 seconds
