Top 10 UK Flight Routes Experiencing Delays – Expert Tips to Stay On Time and Avoid Hold Ups

The 10 Most Delayed UK Flight Routes Revealed

Millions of passengers faced flight delays in the last year, with new data shedding light on the most delayed flight routes departing from the UK.

Global Travel Post-Covid

Global travel has seen a resurgence following the Covid-19 pandemic, with an estimated 4.7 billion people expected to travel this year, up from 4.5 billion before the outbreak. However, the increase in travel doesn’t guarantee a hassle-free journey for travelers.

Top Delayed Routes

1. Leeds Bradford Airport to Lawica, Poland – 36 minutes
2. Birmingham International Airport to Dubai, UAE – 30 minutes
3. East Midlands Airport to Orly, Paris – 28 minutes
4. Edinburgh Airport to Belfast City, Northern Ireland – 27 minutes
5. Manchester Airport to Lisbon, Portugal – 25 minutes
6. London Gatwick to Milan Malpensa, Italy – 20 minutes
7. Bristol Airport to Guernsey, UK – 20 minutes
8. Bristol Airport to Edinburgh, Scotland – 19 minutes
9. Bristol Airport to Porto, Portugal – 18 minutes
10. Belfast International to Glasgow, Scotland – 17 minutes

Afternoon Flights Warning

Experts caution that afternoon flights are more likely to experience delays or cancellations. Stats from 2022 show a higher number of flight cancellations and delays compared to historical averages. The UK witnessed a rise in the percentage of delayed flights, especially those departing between 10 and 11 pm.

The Morning Advantage

Based on Department of Transportation data, morning flights between 6 and 7 am have a higher on-time arrival rate of 86%. In contrast, only 66% of flights between 10 and 11 pm reach their destination on schedule. This difference can be attributed to better weather conditions in the morning and the readiness of planes that have been parked overnight at the airport.

Risk of Afternoon Flights

Afternoon flights often involve planes flying in from other locations, making them more susceptible to disruptions. If the incoming flight faces delays, the subsequent flight is at risk of being affected as well.

By addressing these factors and being aware of the most delayed flight routes, travelers can better prepare for their journeys and minimize the impact of potential delays.