Overview
- Press Association analysis of Civil Aviation Authority data published Monday found UK departure delays fell in 2025 but Manchester still had the worst record.
- Flights left Manchester 19 minutes 30 seconds late on average, with Birmingham at 18:42, Bournemouth at 17:18, and Liverpool John Lennon the best at 9:24.
- Airports cited European air traffic control strikes, bad weather and restricted airspace over conflict zones as major causes of hold‑ups, and Manchester said the raw ranking misses that context.
- The national average delay improved to 14 minutes 54 seconds from 18 minutes 24 seconds in 2024, which industry groups said reflects better overall service.
- Passenger rights include care during long waits, and compensation up to £520 only when the airline caused the delay, with ATC disruption usually counted as an extraordinary circumstance.