UK flight punctuality still below pre-pandemic levels despite air fare surge

11 March 2024 , 12:59

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Flight punctuality at UK airports was significantly below pre-pandemic levels last year (Image: No credit)

Fight punctuality at UK airports has dipped below pre-Covid levels, despite air fares going through the roof.

Only 64% of flights took off or landed within 15 mins of their planned time in 2023, shows data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). That's up from 63% in 2022, but a fall from the pre-pandemic figure of 75% in 2019.

UK and Europe-wide air traffic control issues stood as one of the biggest hurdles to timely departures last year. System faults, worker shortages, and strikes played havoc with flights throughout 2023.

Data from the Office for National Statistics reveal that average fares for UK flights between July and September 2023 cost 24% more than during the same months in 2022. Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has predicted that tickets on his airline will be a hefty 10% dearer this summer than last year due to Boeing's new plane delivery delays.

The CAA stated it is "reminding airports and airlines of their obligations to passengers". Depending on how long a flight delay lasts, passengers may have rights to extras like food and drinks, a night's hotel stay, alternative travel plans, and even compensation.

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Anna Bowles of the CAA, said "As passenger numbers return to pre-pandemic levels it is important that on-time performance continues to improve to ensure that passengers receive the service they deserve and expect. We also want to make sure that passengers are protected by equipping them with essential advice and ensuring they are aware of their rights before they go on holiday."

Gatwick Airport had 63% of flights on time with Edinburgh, Heathrow and Stansted having 65% of flights on time. The CAA said that there were more last-minute flight cancellations in 2023 than there have been for eight years, if you don't count 2020 when travel was disrupted because of the pandemic.

Some 1.8% of flights at UK airports were cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled departure, which is double the amount in 2019. Around 276 million people flew through UK airports in 2023. That's 23% more than the 224 million in 2022, but still 8% less than the 300 million in 2019.

Lawrence Matheson