Gatwick Airport has once again topped the list for flight delays in the UK, with passengers departing on average over 23 minutes behind schedule in 2024, according to new data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Although this marks a slight improvement from the previous year’s 27-minute average delay, the West Sussex airport still lags behind all other major UK airports.

The airport, which serves as London’s second busiest hub, continues to face significant disruption from air traffic control (ATC) issues, both within the UK and across Europe. A spokesperson for Gatwick stated that ongoing ATC restrictions across the continent have played a major role in operational delays. They added that steps are being taken in collaboration with airlines to enhance performance throughout 2025.

Other airports with poor punctuality last year include Stansted and Manchester, both averaging delays of just over 20 minutes. In contrast, Belfast City Airport led in punctuality for the second consecutive year, with average delays of under 12 minutes per flight.

Passengers experiencing flight delays from UK airports may be entitled to compensation, though ATC-related delays are classed as “extraordinary circumstances” and fall outside compensation rules. Gatwick maintains it remains the world’s most efficient single-runway airport, with aircraft taking off or landing every 55 seconds.