TUI Tops UK Airline Delay Rankings in 2025 CAA Punctuality Study

TUI Airways has been identified as one of the least punctual airlines operating in the UK, with an average departure delay of 20 minutes and 24 seconds in 2025, according to an analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data by the Press Association. The leisure carrier's Birmingham to Zante route recorded the worst performance among its services with at least 100 flights, averaging 46 minutes late.

Worst Performers: Air India Leads, TUI in Fifth Place

Air India retained the top spot for the second consecutive year, with an average delay of 36 minutes and 36 seconds. Blue Islands followed at 25 minutes and 12 seconds, TAP Air Portugal at 23 minutes, and Saudia at 21 minutes and 18 seconds. TUI Airways placed fifth. The overall average delay across all 34 airlines analysed was 14 minutes and 48 seconds, a notable improvement from 18 minutes and 18 seconds in 2024.

Industry Response and Passenger Rights

Aage Dunhaupt, TUI Group's director of communications, stated: "We fully understand that for holidaymakers, every minute counts. Minimising delays remains a top priority, and our teams work continuously to improve operational performance across our network." He explained that TUI makes "a conscious choice" to operate delayed flights rather than cancelling them, as this ensures passengers reach their destination "rather than facing the risk of extended disruption." He added: "If we were to follow broader industry practices of cancelling flights more readily, our punctuality ranking would improve significantly. However, this would come at the expense of our customers."

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A spokesperson for Airlines UK, a trade body for UK-registered carriers, commented: "The vast majority of UK airline flights depart on time and CAA data shows customer satisfaction levels are at an all-time high. Most delays are the result of issues that are entirely outside airline control, such as adverse weather, forced reductions in the number of planes that are able to land and take off each hour, and industrial action. When these delays do occur, airlines work hard to support customers and get them where they need to be as quickly as possible."

Flight Delay Compensation Entitlements

Passengers whose flights depart from the UK and experience delays may be entitled to support including food and drink, communication facilities, and overnight accommodation if necessary. Depending on the route distance and delay duration, travellers can claim compensation of up to £520 from the carrier if the delay is within the airline's control, such as an aircraft malfunction or pilot illness.

Full Ranking of Airlines by Average Delay

The analysis covered all scheduled and chartered departures from UK airports by airlines that operated more than 2,500 flights in 2025, excluding cancelled flights. The full list of average delays (in minutes and seconds) is as follows: