Flights from UK airports were plagued by delays in 2025, with Air India emerging as the biggest culprit. The airline's flights, on average, took off a staggering 36 minutes and 36 seconds late.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data analysis, which excluded cancelled flights, revealed that Air India was responsible for the longest average flight delays from UK airports. Blue Islands came second with an average delay of 25 minutes and 12 seconds, while TAP Air Portugal trailed behind with a 23-minute delay per departing flight.
Rory Boland, editor of consumer publication Which? Travel, said it's 'unacceptable' for passengers to face unreliable service at a time when airfares are rising. He urged airlines to improve support for travellers during delays, including clear communication about passenger rights and compensation eligibility. Mr Boland also advised passengers to seek compensation if they believe an airline was responsible for their flight delay.
At the other end of the spectrum, British Airways recorded a respectable average delay of 12 minutes and 36 seconds, while Virgin Atlantic's average was just 11 minutes. Scandinavian Airlines boasted the shortest average delay among those listed, at eight minutes.
For UK travellers planning trips, understanding airline punctuality can be crucial when choosing a carrier, especially for time-sensitive journeys. Popular destinations such as Antalya and Dalaman in Turkey saw average delays exceeding 20 minutes due to SunExpress flights. British holidaymakers should always check the latest FCO travel advice for their chosen destination, which can impact travel insurance validity. Standard travel insurance policies typically cover flight delays beyond a certain duration, often four to six hours.
Individual policy terms vary, and costs for visas, if required, depend on the destination. For instance, UK citizens can obtain an online Turkish visa for around £40-£45 ($50). However, travellers should be aware that these costs do not include additional fees or requirements for specific documentation.