TUI Airways Named Worst UK Airline for Flight Delays in 2025 CAA Data

TUI Airways has been identified as the worst UK-based airline for flight delays, according to analysis by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The holiday giant's flights departed UK airports an average of 20 minutes and 24 seconds behind schedule in 2025, four minutes longer than the next UK airline, Jet2, which averaged 16 minutes and 36 seconds.

CAA Data Reveals TUI's Poor Punctuality

The CAA examined all scheduled and chartered departures from UK airports by 34 airlines that operated over 2,500 flights last year. Cancelled flights were not included. TUI ranked fifth overall among all airlines, with Air India being the worst at an average delay of 36 minutes and 36 seconds. Scandinavian Airlines had the best punctuality, with delays averaging just eight minutes. Virgin Atlantic was the most punctual UK carrier, with 11-minute delays.

Longest Delays on Birmingham to Zante Route

Among TUI's routes, the longest average delay was on flights from Birmingham to the Greek island of Zante, at 46 minutes. The airline serves over 20 UK airports, including Inverness, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Travel experts branded the delays "unacceptable." Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: "Airlines must do more to support travellers during delays, including clearly communicating their rights and eligibility for compensation. It’s worth putting in a claim with your airline if you think it’s responsible – and escalating the complaint if it refuses to pay."

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TUI Defends Approach to Delays

TUI Group's director of communications, Aage Dunhaupt, responded: "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 the airline makes a "conscious choice" to operate delayed flights rather than cancel them, so passengers can reach their destination "rather than facing the risk of extended disruption." Dunhaupt 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."

Passenger Rights and Compensation

Depending on the delay length and route distance, passengers may be entitled to assistance such as food, drink, communication means, and overnight accommodation. Compensation may also be claimed if the delay exceeds several hours and is the airline's fault, such as due to pilot sickness or aircraft fault.