Wizz Air was the worst airline for flight delays from UK airports last year, an investigation has found.
The Hungarian carrier’s departures were an average of 14 minutes and 24 seconds behind schedule in 2021, according to analysis of Civil Aviation Authority data.
It operates short-haul flights from 10 UK airports such as Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Gatwick and Luton.
Tui Airways recorded the second worst punctuality, with an average delay of 13m 18s, with BA in third.
The two most used UK airlines, easyJet and Ryanair, were among the leading performers for punctuality.
EasyJet had the second shortest average delay of 4m 36s, while Ryanair was third with 6m 6s. Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus was best with 3m 12s. Cancelled flights were not analysed and the average delay was 8m 30s.
Research earlier this summer found that Birmingham was the UK’s worst airport for flight delays last year. Airline punctuality in 2021 was better than before the pandemic due to the reduction in flights.
But it has deteriorated this year, with staff shortages causing major problems and tens of thousands of cancellations. Paul Charles, of travel consultancy the PC Agency, said: “Airlines, airports and air traffic control teams need to work together far more closely.”
Wizz Air was asked for comment.
List of average airline delays
1. Wizz Air: 14 minutes and 24 seconds
2. Tui Airways: 13 minutes and 18 seconds
3. British Airways: 12 minutes and 42 seconds
4. Virgin Atlantic: 12 minutes
5. Loganair: 11 minutes and 30 seconds
6. Air France: 11 minutes and 12 seconds
7. Lufthansa: 10 minutes
8. KLM: Eight minutes and 42 seconds
9. Eastern Airways: Seven minutes and 48 seconds
10. Jet2.com: Seven minutes and 42 seconds
11. American Airlines: Seven minutes
12. Ryanair: Six minutes and six seconds
13. EasyJet: Four minutes and 36 seconds
14. Aer Lingus: Three minutes and 12 seconds
