Gatwick Airport Named Worst for Delays Again!

Mr Plane Guy
Apr 21
5 min read

Updated: Apr 26

Gatwick Airport Named Worst for Delays Again!

By Mr Plane Guy Flight Delay Expert

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my travel blog and allows me to continue creating useful content. Thank you for your support!

It’s official again, Gatwick has taken the crown for the worst airport in the UK for delays, two years in a row. If you're flying from there this summer, expect some extra waiting around: departures were delayed by an average of 23 minutes in 2024, according to the Civil Aviation Authority. Not ideal, I know, but don’t worry, as always, I’ve got your back with everything you need to know (and do!) when the delay drama hits.

What’s going on at Gatwick?

Gatwick, Britain’s second busiest airport, has been dealing with a perfect storm of issues:

Staff shortages in air traffic control across Europe (yep, it’s not just a UK problem).
Problems within Gatwick’s own control tower.
Recent strike action by over 100 Red Handling ground staff (linked to pay and pensions).
And a summer season that’s shaping up to be the busiest one ever.

Honestly, I used to work behind the scenes at a London airport, and even on a good day, about 30% of flights get delayed so these kinds of things aren’t unusual, but that doesn’t make them less annoying.

How does this compare to other UK airports?

Gatwick tops the delay list, followed closely by:

Birmingham – 21 minutes average delay
Manchester – 20 minutes
Stansted and Teesside also made the top five

The UK average delay overall? Around 18 minutes and 24 seconds, which is actually a slight improvement from 2023.

What Can YOU Do if You’re Delayed?

This is where I come in! If you’ve read my Flight Delay Guide before, you know I always say: have a plan, stay calm, and know your rights. Whether you’re dealing with a TUI delay, an easyJet cancelled flight, or some classic "technical issue," you might be entitled to flight delay compensation up to £520 per person under EU Regulation 261/2004.

Did you know you could be entitled to flight delay compensation of up to £520 per person!

But first…

My 3-Step Flight Delay Action Plan

1. Take Receipts

Start documenting everything. Screenshot departure boards, keep receipts for food and drinks, and write down anything the airline staff tell you.

2. Be Prepared

Snacks? ✅ Phone charger? ✅ Spare meds and something to entertain the kids? ✅ This stuff matters — especially during long delays.

3. Know Your Rights

You may be eligible for compensation if your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours, but remember, it depends on arrival time, not departure! And delays are measured from the time the plane arrives at the gate, not when it touches down.

👉 Check out my full Flight Delay Compensation Guide here!

Escape the Chaos with Gatwick Airport Lounges

If you're stuck at Gatwick during a delay, treat yourself to one of the Gatwick airport lounges. Trust me, it's worth it, peace, snacks, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even prosecco! Some lounges allow walk-ins or last-minute bookings, even if you’re not flying business class.

Norse Atlantic Airways Review of Premium

How about a reduced rate Airport Lounge?

Exclusive Offer: I was kindly given a 30% off code for a Priority Pass!

Priority Pass is the world's largest independent airport VIP lounge access program, with over 1,400+ lounges in over 600 cities across 148 countries! From just £69 for an annual pass.

The lovely people from Priority Pass have offered me a 30% discount code making it just £48! Be quick this won't last long!! Use my link below.

Take a Look Here ( I get a tiny kickback BTW, thank you for the support )

Check out the Gatwick Airport Lounges

Avoiding Delays in the First Place…

Book morning flights! These are called "first wave" flights and they’re way less likely to be delayed.
Check in early, especially with airlines like Vueling (they love to overbook).
Don’t be the last to check in — those are usually the passengers who get bumped!

Been Affected by a Delay?

Especially if you’ve had a flight delay with TUI or an easyJet cancellation, let me know in the comments or DM me.

You might also want to check out Air Help Plus they’ve helped over 2.5 million passengers claim compensation. Their disruption cover starts at just £2.92/month, and gives you lounge access during delays (yes please!).

Check if you can make a claim Here

Air Help have assisted over 2.5 million people in claiming back compensation from airlines, they are the experts in handling compensation claims with airlines that typically drag their heels!

So, whether you're heading to the Med with TUI, jetting off with easyJet, or navigating the madness at Gatwick, just remember: delays are part of airport life. But you can absolutely be prepared, stay chill, and maybe even get a little money back while you're at it.

Happy travels, and don’t forget to save this post for the next time you're stuck at the gate

What is Air Help Plus?

Air Help offer a disruption insurance, after all delays are inevitable!

they have two levels of cover starting at just £2.92 per month!

Smart

Perfect for up to 3 trips per year

Perfect for most travellers
Protection for 3 trips
€100 when your flight’s disrupted
€100 for a lost or delayed bag
Lounge access during a disruption
Annual support
No-fee compensation service
Dedicated 24/7 support
Flight status updates
Travel perks
Save on eSIMs, car rental, and more

this is only £34.99 per year! More info Here

Pro

For up to 9 trips per year, so great if your a frequent flyer

Protection for 9 trips
€100 when your flight’s disrupted
€100 for a lost or delayed bag
Lounge access during a disruption
Annual support
No-fee compensation service
Dedicated 24/7 support
Flight status updates
Travel perks
Save on eSIMs, car rental, and more

Great value at £84.99 Check it out Here

Don't forget to get an eSim before you travel and save yourself data roaming fee's!

WOW

This Travel Money Card

Plan Your Airport Parking: Booking in advance can make your journey more seamless.

Check out Prices and Information HERE

Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!

I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!

I hope you enjoyed this Gatwick Airport Named Worst for Delays Again!