Traveling during the summer can be exciting, but flight delays and cancellations at airports can quickly turn a dream vacation into a stressful ordeal.
A recent study by data collection experts SOAX analysed flight data from 25 UK airports, using Civil Aviation Authority reports to identify the least reliable airports for summer 2025.
The research focused on cancellation rates and average delay times from May to August between 2022 and 2024. Each airport received an index score from 0 to 10, with 10 being the least reliable.
UK Airports 2025 Performance
Here’s a look at the UK airports that ranked as the most stressful for holidaymakers this summer, according to SOAX data analysis.
Gatwick Airport: The UK’s Least Reliable Airport
Gatwick Airport tops the list as the most stressful airport for summer 2025, earning a troubling index score of 6.9 out of 10.
With a cancellation rate of 1.8% and an average delay time of 28 minutes in 2024, Gatwick outperformed its 2023 average delay of 35.9 minutes.
However, it still lagged behind other UK airports. Located in Sussex, Gatwick’s high volume of flights makes these disruptions particularly impactful for holiday travellers.
Despite some improvement, passengers should prepare for potential delays when flying through this major hub.
Southend, Manchester, and Aberdeen: Joint Second Place
Three airports—Southend, Manchester, and Aberdeen—tied for second place, each with an index score of 5.1 out of 10. Southend Airport showed significant progress, reducing its cancellation rate from a staggering 6.9% in 2022 to just 1.1% in 2024.
However, its average delay time worsened, increasing from 15.6 minutes in 2022 to 21.8 minutes in 2024. This makes Southend a mixed bag for travellers seeking reliability.
Manchester Airport, one of the UK’s busiest hubs, also scored 5.1 out of 10. In 2024, passengers faced an average delay of 24.9 minutes, a notable improvement from the 35-minute delays in 2022.
Manchester’s cancellation rate remained low at 1.0%, offering some reassurance for travellers. Still, its high passenger volume means delays can significantly affect holiday plans.
Aberdeen Airport, also scoring 5.1, had the highest cancellation rate in the study at 3.9% in 2024. However, its average delay time of 12.7 minutes was relatively short compared to other airports in the bottom ten.
Travelers through Aberdeen may face cancellations but can expect shorter waits when flights do depart.
Bristol Airport: Third Place
Bristol Airport secured third place with an index score of 5.0 out of 10. In 2024, passengers experienced an average delay of 22.4 minutes, a substantial improvement from the 37.2-minute delays in 2022.
With a cancellation rate of just 0.8%, one of the lowest in the study, Bristol offers a relatively reliable option despite its ranking.
Luton and Edinburgh: Joint Fourth Place
Luton and Edinburgh airports tied for fourth, each with an index score of 4.7 out of 10. Luton had a low cancellation rate of 0.7% in 2024, but passengers faced average delays of 24.2 minutes.
Edinburgh performed slightly better, with an average delay of 21.5 minutes and a cancellation rate of 1.3%. Both airports present moderate challenges for summer travellers.
Southampton Airport: Fifth Place
Southampton Airport ranked fifth with an index score of 4.5 out of 10. Its cancellation rate of 2.6% in 2024 was higher than some competitors.
Overall, its average delay of 15.7 minutes was better than many in the bottom ten. This makes Southampton a relatively tolerable option for holidaymakers.
Birmingham and London City: Joint Sixth Place
Birmingham and London City airports tied for sixth, each scoring 4.3 out of 10. Birmingham boasted one of the lowest cancellation rates at 0.7% in 2024. However, its average delay of 24.5 minutes was significant.
London City, with a higher cancellation rate of 2.5%, had shorter delays at 16 minutes, offering a slightly better experience for passengers.
Exeter, Heathrow, Stansted, and Cardiff: Rounding Out the List
Exeter Airport ranked seventh with an index score of 4.1 out of 10, followed by Heathrow in eighth (4.0), Stansted in ninth (3.6), and Cardiff Wales Airport in tenth (3.5). Exeter’s high cancellation rate of 2.8% in 2024 made it a notable contender, while Heathrow and Stansted benefited from lower cancellation rates but still faced delays. Cardiff’s lower score suggests it’s one of the less stressful options among the bottom ten.
Insights from the Experts
Stepan Solovev, CEO and Co-founder of SOAX, commented on the findings. “While UK airports have generally improved flight punctuality since 2022, some continue to struggle with significant delays.”
“Gatwick’s 28-minute average delay may seem minor, but it adds up to thousands of hours for travellers. Interestingly, airports with similar cancellation rates, like Birmingham and Luton, show different delay times, highlighting variations in operational efficiency.”
Tips for Travellers
For those traveling through these UK airports in summer 2025, delays and cancellations remain a potential risk. Passengers experiencing delays over three hours or cancellations may be eligible for compensation under current regulations.
Checking flight status in advance and arriving early can help mitigate stress. By choosing airports with lower index scores or preparing for potential disruptions, holidaymakers can better navigate the challenges of summer travel.
When considering the most stressful airports, bear in mind that continuous improvements across many of these UK airports offers hope for smoother journeys. Always check with your airline for real-time updates to stay ahead of delays or cancellations.
