Flight delays worse than before pandemic despite surge in fares

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Flight delays at UK airports was considerably beneath pre-pandemic ranges final 12 months despite a surge in air fares, new analysis has proven.

Authorities stated one of many largest challenges to punctuality final 12 months was air site visitors management disruption in the UK and throughout Europe.

System failures, workers shortages and strike motion affected flights all through 2023.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) figures present simply 64% of flights departed or arrived inside quarter-hour of the scheduled time in 2023.

That is up from 63% in the course of the earlier 12 months, however down from the pre-coronavirus stage of 75% in 2019.

In the ultimate three months of the 12 months, the airport with the worst punctuality was Gatwick, the place 63% of flights had been on time.

It was adopted by Edinburgh, Heathrow and Stansted, which every had a determine of 65%.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics present common air fares for flights to and from the UK between July and September 2023 had been 24% costlier than the identical interval a 12 months earlier.

Last month, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary predicted the airline’s tickets can be as much as 10% costlier this summer time in contrast with final 12 months attributable to delays in the supply of latest planes from Boeing.

The CAA stated it’s “reminding airports and airlines of their obligations to passengers”.

Depending on the size of a flight delay, passengers could also be entitled to help akin to foods and drinks, in a single day lodging, various journey preparations and compensation.

CAA head of client Anna Bowles advised the PA information company: “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.”

The CAA additionally revealed that short-notice flight cancellations in 2023 had been on the highest stage for a minimum of eight years, excluding 2020 when the virus disaster precipitated main disruption to journey.

Some 1.8% of flights at UK airports had been cancelled inside 24 hours of the scheduled departure, in contrast with 0.9% in 2019.

Some 276 million passengers handed by way of UK airports throughout 2023.

That is a rise of 23% on the 224 million in 2022, and was 8% beneath the 2019 whole of 300 million.