Two major UK airports have received an unwanted distinction, being ranked among the most stressful places in the world to catch a flight. A new analysis by the travel insurance comparison service iSelect has placed both London Gatwick and Manchester Airport within the global top ten for passenger stress projected for 2026.
Manchester and Gatwick Face Operational Challenges
The research, highlighted by Condé Nast Traveller, saw Manchester Airport clinch a particularly dismal spot, landing as the third most stressful airport globally. It was narrowly beaten to second place by Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport, with the top spot taken by Newark Liberty International Airport in the United States.
Manchester's high ranking was attributed to persistent congestion and operational disruption. The study found that travellers face an average flight delay of 23 minutes and a baggage claim delay score of 69%. While the report acknowledged efforts to improve, it warned that passengers in 2026 are still very likely to encounter peak-time bottlenecks and hold-ups retrieving their luggage.
Gatwick, the UK's second-busiest airport, was ranked eighth in the world. The findings pointed to the airport being under 'constant operational pressure' due to its single runway. This setup means minor issues can quickly escalate into significant delays, especially during the busy summer holiday season.
How the Stressful Airport Study Was Conducted
The iSelect global analysis examined 50 major international hubs, assessing how they perform under sustained pressure. Airports were ranked on a range of factors crucial to the passenger experience.
Key metrics included:
- Ease of access and overall airport accessibility.
- Average security wait times and terminal capacity.
- Rates of flight delays and cancellations.
The goal was to identify which airports are most likely to leave travellers with 'shredded nerves' in the near future.
A Wider Week of Travel Disruption Across Europe
The report's release coincides with a treacherous period for air travel in parts of Europe. Icy conditions have severely hampered operations at several central European hubs this week.
Major airports in Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava were forced to close temporarily. Budapest Airport cited dangerous black ice and 'extreme icing', while runways in Vienna were coated in a thick, refreezing layer of ice.
Closer to home, Birmingham Airport also experienced significant disruption earlier this week following a technical fault. A power failure at a National Air Traffic Services (NATS) radar facility led to suspended arrivals, causing over 20 inbound flights to be cancelled or diverted and several delays exceeding four hours.
This combination of systemic pressures, as identified in the iSelect report, and acute weather-related incidents underscores the ongoing challenges facing air travellers relying on both UK and European airports.
