Brits planning to jet off for Christmas are likely dreading any seasonal disruptions that could interfere with their holiday plans.
That’s why new research has highlighted the UK airports most affected by delays, including those where flights are delayed for more than an hour or even cancelled altogether.
Business travel management company Good Travel Management found that Teesside International Airport was the UK’s most delayed airport last Christmas, with passengers facing an average delay of 37 minutes and 40 seconds.
Nearly 25 percent of all flights were delayed by at least an hour, and the airport had the highest cancellation rate among the most disrupted airports, with 6.8 percent of flights being cancelled.
Aberdeen Airport ranked second, with more than 13 percent of flights delayed by over an hour. The average delay was 30 minutes and 35 seconds, and the holiday period was particularly affected.
Known for its harsh winter conditions, Aberdeen has previously struggled with operational issues due to icy weather.
In December 2023, a further disruption occurred when a vehicle collided with a British Airways plane on the tarmac, causing additional delays as engineers assessed the damage and grounded flights.
Exeter Airport, which is among the top five busiest airports in the UK, came in third place with an average delay of 26 minutes.
Weather-related ground stops were likely a factor in the delays, and more than 10 percent of flights were delayed by over an hour last Christmas.
Travellers flying from these airports might want to consider booking early morning flights to avoid cascading delays later in the day.
At the opposite end of the scale, Cardiff Airport, often called the “gateway to Wales,” was the UK’s least disrupted airport in December.
Despite handling over a million passengers annually, Cardiff had an impressive average delay of only seven minutes and 24 seconds, making it a top choice for Christmas travellers seeking a smooth journey.
Looking ahead, the airport is set to receive a £206million investment over the next decade, which is expected to improve the overall travel experience and boost efficiency for passengers in the coming years.
In second place for the least disruptions was Southend Airport, one of the UK’s fastest-growing regional hubs, with an average delay of just 12 minutes.
Its strong performance makes it a dependable option for those looking for hassle-free travel this holiday season.
Bournemouth Airport ranked third, ahead of Belfast City and Newcastle, with an average delay of 13 minutes.
Recent changes, including updated hand luggage rules designed to speed up security processes, may help reduce wait times and enhance the overall passenger experience during the busy festive period.
Other airports that made the list are Southampton, Belfast International, Luton, Leeds Bradford and Birmingham.