Wizz Air was the worst airline for delays in flights setting off from UK airports last year, new research has found.
The Hungarian-founded carrier's departures were on average 14 minutes and 24 seconds behind schedule in 2021 - according to an in-depth analysis of Civil Aviation Authority data.
The provider puts on short-haul flights from 10 UK airports, such as Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Gatwick and Luton.
Read more: TUI warning to brits who have booked flights and have upcoming holidays
Tui was placed second worst in terms of punctuality, with an average delay of 13 minutes and 18 seconds, with BA following in third - The Mirror reports. The two most-used UK airlines in easyJet and Ryanair were on the other hand, among the leading performers - with less critical delays across the board.
EasyJet had the second shortest average delay of 4m 36s, while Ryanair was third with 6m 6s. Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus was best with 3m 12s. Cancelled flights were not analysed and the average delay was 8m 30s.
Research conducted earlier this summer found that Birmingham airport was the UK's worst location for delays last year, but airline punctuality was on the up from pre-pandemic times, due to the reduction of flights on offer. However, it has deteriorated this year once more, with staff shortages and industrial action contributing to thousands of cancellations.
Paul Charles, of travel consultancy the PC Agency, said: “Airlines, airports and air traffic control teams need to work together far more closely.”
Wizz Air has been approached by The Mirror for comment.
List of average airline delays
1. Wizz Air: 14 minutes and 24 seconds
2. Tui Airways: 13 minutes and 18 seconds
3. British Airways: 12 minutes and 42 seconds
4. Virgin Atlantic: 12 minutes
5. Loganair: 11 minutes and 30 seconds
6. Air France: 11 minutes and 12 seconds
7. Lufthansa: 10 minutes
8. KLM: 8 minutes and 42 seconds
9. Eastern Airways: 7 minutes and 48 seconds
10. Jet2.com: 7 minutes and 42 seconds
11. American Airlines: 7 minutes
12. Ryanair: 6 minutes and 6 seconds
13. EasyJet: 4 minutes and 36 seconds
14. Aer Lingus: 3 minutes and 12 seconds
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