Wizz Air was the worst major airline for flight delays from UK airports for the second year running, new figures show.
The Hungarian airline’s UK departures were an average of 46 minutes and six seconds behind schedule in 2022.
It is based on an analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data by the PA news agency.
That was more than three times as much as last year, when it also took last place in punctuality.
Wizz Air operates short-haul flights from eight UK airports, including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Gatwick and Luton.
The analysis considered all scheduled and chartered departures from UK airports by airlines with more than 2,500 flights.
Canceled flights were not taken into account.
The average delay of all these flights was 23 minutes.
After Wizz Air, Tui came second with an average delay of 40 minutes and 18 seconds, and Qatar Airways third with 31 minutes and 48 seconds.
Norwegian Air Shuttle had the best performance with an average delay of just 13 minutes and 42 seconds.
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WizzAir – 46 minutes and six seconds
Tui – 40 minutes and 18 seconds.
Qatar Airways – 31 minutes and 48 seconds
Turkish Airlines – 29 minutes and 30 seconds
Pegasus Airlines – 27 minutes and 18 seconds
May and June were the worst months in terms of punctuality as the aviation sector failed to recruit and train enough staff to cope with the surge in holiday demand following the end of the UK’s Covid-19 travel rules.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “These numbers are worrying but will come as no surprise to passengers who have endured years of poor treatment by airlines.”
The CAA has civil powers to take enforcement action against airlines, but court cases typically take several years to complete.
Government proposals to give the regulator more powers were consulted in early 2022, but no changes were made.
CAA Consumer Director Paul Smith claimed that “too many passengers have faced disappointing delays over the past year”.
“The CAA has regularly called for stronger enforcement powers for consumers, including the ability to fine airlines,” he said.
“If something goes wrong, we expect airlines to be proactive in informing passengers of their flight disruption rights and to offer timely support and assistance.
“We have previously raised concerns about Wizz Air and are working closely with the airline to improve consumer outcomes.”
In February, the airline ended its service to and from Wales, citing ongoing costs and the current economic climate.
Last year it faced a backlash from pilots’ unions after chief executive Jozsef Varadi said employees should “go the extra mile” when tired so the airline could avoid canceling flights.
Wizz Air did not respond to a request for comment from the PA news agency.
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