A third of UK air passengers suffered disruptions in 2023

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More than 45 million fliers throughout the UK confronted disruption when travelling on a aircraft in 2023, a passenger rights organisation has revealed.

Data from AirHelp discovered that 34 per cent of the 131 million passengers travelling final yr have been held up, with 3.8 million individuals having their flights cancelled altogether.

London Gatwick was ranked the worst offender when it got here to disruption, with 42 per cent of passengers affected, whereas London Stansted got here in a detailed second with a 39 per cent disruption fee. The most punctual airport was Durham Tees Valley Airport, the place simply 19 per cent of flights have been disrupted.

UK airports confronted quite a few challenges in 2023, with ongoing strikes throughout Europe, air visitors management failures and excessive climate situations ensuing in a chaotic yr for journey.

The AirHelp analysis ranked London Gatwick to Jeddah Saudi Arabia as essentially the most disrupted route, with 91 per cent of flights affected by delays or cancellations. Routes from London Heathrow to Portland International Airport and Bermuda Airport have been the second and third least punctual – 73 per cent and 71 per cent of flights have been disrupted respectively.

The least disrupted route was Edinburgh Airport to Dusseldorf International Airport, with over 94 per cent of flights departing on time in 2023.

London Heathrow to Tan Son Nhat International Airport was ranked second greatest in phrases of punctuality, with 93 per cent of flights leaving on time, whereas London Heathrow Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport and London Luton to Lublin Airport got here in third, each having fun with 92 per cent punctuality charges.

EU Law stipulates that in case your flight is disrupted – together with flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding – you have got the proper to compensation.

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, when a flight lands at its vacation spot greater than three hours late, fliers are entitled to between €250 and €600 per passenger. The quantity depends upon the size of the flight and the extent of the delay. Airlines should additionally present help and care, together with meals, drinks and lodge lodging.

However, airways shouldn’t have to pay out if the delay or cancellation is because of “extraordinary circumstances”, reminiscent of unhealthy climate or air visitors management strikes.