Departures were delayed by an average of over 17 minutes
Bristol Airport(Image: Copyright Unknown)
Departures from Bristol Airport were delayed by an average of more than 17 minutes in 2024 according to analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data by the PA news agency.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said many holidaymakers “save all year” for their trips, so flight disruption can cause an “emotional toll” as people feel “their time and investment aren’t being respected”.
She went on: “Passengers expect and deserve not to spend hours stuck in terminals with little information or support.
“Reliable service, clear communication and efficient operations should be the standard, not the exception, and airports must take this responsibility seriously.
“This summer is set to be exceptionally busy, therefore it is essential airports and airlines do all they can to ensure consumer confidence to travel remains high.”
The analysis took into account scheduled and chartered departures from the 22 commercial UK airports with at least 1,000 outbound flights last year. Cancellations were not included.
The average delay for all these flights last year was 18 minutes and 24 seconds, down from 20 minutes and 42 seconds in 2023.
Gatwick, which is the UK’s second busiest airport, retained its position as the UK’s worst airport for flight delays, with a delay of 23 minutes and 18 seconds.
Flights from Birmingham airport had the second poorest punctuality record last year, with an average delay of more than 21 minutes. In third place was Manchester airport, with 20 minutes. Bristol came in at 13th on the list.
Depending on the distance of the route and length of delay, passengers booked on flights from UK airports which are running behind schedule are entitled to assistance such as a reasonable amount of food and drink, a means to communicate and overnight accommodation if required.
Airlines often fail to provide this during major disruption as they are overwhelmed by requests.
Passengers may also be able to claim compensation of up to £520 from the airline if the reason for the delay is deemed within its control, which could be a fault with the aircraft or pilot sickness.
Air traffic control (ATC) issues are considered to be an “extraordinary circumstance”, meaning affected passengers are not entitled to pay outs.
Selina Chadha, a director at the CAA, which has consumer advice on its website, said: “The industry works hard to ensure flights are punctual, but sometimes delays occur.
“What is important to us is what airlines and airports do to minimise disruption, as well as comply with their legal obligations to look after passengers if something happens to their flight.
“We also advise consumers to ensure they know what assistance they are entitled to.”