Gatwick Joins Manchester, Birmingham, Southend, Bournemouth and More in the UK’s Most Infuriating Airports of 2025!

Published on December 8, 2025

Gatwick has joined the ranks of Manchester, Birmingham, Southend, Bournemouth, and more in the UK’s most infuriating airports of 2025. For travelers, the experience at these airports continues to be a frustrating ordeal. Gatwick, once considered a bustling hub of convenience, now finds itself among the worst for delays, overcrowding, and poor service. Meanwhile, Manchester, Birmingham, Southend, and Bournemouth also struggle to meet the expectations of modern-day travelers.

Whether it’s long wait times at security, delayed flights, or inadequate facilities, these airports are notorious for causing travel stress. Gatwick’s inclusion in this list proves that even the busiest airports are not immune to operational failures. As the travel landscape shifts, these airports remain a constant source of irritation, frustrating passengers looking for a smooth, timely journey.

1. London Gatwick Airport: The Worst of the Worst

When it comes to delays, London Gatwick Airport continues to be the top offender. Flights departing from Gatwick are consistently 23.6 minutes late, the worst performance among all UK airports. This makes Gatwick the number one airport to avoid if you are looking for a smooth and timely travel experience.

Gatwick’s on-time performance is dismal, with about 12% of flights delayed by 31–60 minutes. Travelers report a lack of seating, long security lines, and generally poor customer service. For anyone hoping for an easy journey, Gatwick can quickly turn into a stressful ordeal. Despite ongoing upgrades and improvements, it remains a headache for travelers in 2025.

2. London Stansted Airport: A Close Second for Delays

Coming in second on our list is London Stansted Airport. Stansted’s delays average around 20.3 minutes—one of the worst among UK airports. While it doesn’t quite match Gatwick’s delay times, Stansted still creates a lot of frustration for travelers.

The delays aren’t just an inconvenience; they can lead to missed connections, especially for those on tight schedules. As a major hub for budget airlines, Stansted sees a high volume of passengers, but the facilities are not always equipped to handle the rush. Travelers often complain about long lines, overcrowding, and unhelpful staff, making it a poor experience all around.

3. Manchester Airport: A Struggle Despite Upgrades

Manchester Airport, one of the largest and busiest in the UK, has undergone a £1.3 billion overhaul of Terminal 2, but delays remain a major issue. The airport regularly experiences average delays of 20–20.3 minutes, placing it firmly on the list of worst-performing airports. Despite efforts to improve the experience, Manchester continues to face problems that affect travelers’ overall satisfaction.

Passenger reviews are filled with complaints about limited seating, long walking distances between terminals, and disorganized queues. The food and retail options, while diverse, are often considered overpriced. The customer service also doesn’t always meet expectations, adding to the overall frustration of the experience.

4. Birmingham Airport: Delays Continue to Plague Passengers

At Birmingham Airport, the average flight delay is around 21 minutes, making it one of the worst airports for delays among major English hubs. Despite being an important airport in the Midlands, Birmingham struggles to offer a smooth and hassle-free experience for passengers.

Birmingham is often crowded, and passengers report issues with long waiting times at check-in and security. The airport’s amenities, such as seating and food options, fall short of expectations, and the overall customer experience often leaves travelers frustrated.

5. Southend Airport: Smaller Airport, Bigger Delays

While Southend Airport is smaller compared to Gatwick and Stansted, it still ranks among the worst for delays. Southend’s average departure delay is around 20 minutes, placing it among the top five worst-performing airports in England. While its size can offer a more manageable experience, it doesn’t escape the challenge of timely departures.

With fewer flights compared to larger airports, delays are still a major issue. Travelers looking for a quieter airport experience might be disappointed by the limited amenities, which cannot compete with those offered by larger hubs. Although Southend is often less busy, it still fails to deliver on time performance.

6. Bournemouth Airport: Delays and Poor Amenities

Bournemouth Airport ranks among the top 10 worst airports for delays, with an average delay of around 18.9 minutes. While it has made improvements, Bournemouth still struggles to maintain a smooth and efficient operation. Passengers often face long waiting times at check-in and security.

Despite its size, Bournemouth lacks the facilities and services that would make it a top choice for travelers. There are complaints about the limited food options, small seating areas, and overpriced services. For travelers seeking convenience and comfort, Bournemouth may not be the best choice

7. Bristol Airport: Slipping Performance in 2025

Bristol Airport has seen its performance worsen, with only 74.5% of flights departing on time. This places it among the most delayed major airports in England. While Bristol is a popular choice for regional flights, its on-time performance continues to slip, frustrating passengers who expect a timely departure.

Despite its popularity and relatively smaller size compared to London’s airports, Bristol’s facilities and customer service are often criticized. With long lines, limited seating, and outdated amenities, Bristol does not provide the best experience for passengers looking for a smooth airport experience.

8. Cardiff Wales Airport: A Struggle Despite its Location

Despite being relatively small, Cardiff Wales Airport finds itself among the worst for delays. The airport recorded an average delay of 18.6 minutes. As a regional hub, Cardiff offers fewer services and amenities compared to its larger counterparts, but its delays still make it a frustrating option for travelers.

Passenger feedback often highlights issues with long queues, limited seating, and outdated terminals. The lack of a wide range of flight options also means passengers are more likely to face delays, especially if they are traveling on smaller carriers.

9. London Luton Airport: A Frequent Culprit for Delays

London Luton Airport ranks among the bottom third of UK airports for performance, with an average delay time of 18.6 minutes. While it serves as a hub for low-cost carriers, Luton struggles with high passenger volumes and operational inefficiencies. This results in frequent delays and frustrated travelers.

Luton’s facilities are often criticized for being overcrowded, with long lines and limited seating options. Passengers often report feeling rushed and stressed, making Luton one of the less pleasant airports in England. The overall experience is often far from the smooth journey travelers expect when flying from a major airport.

10. London Heathrow Airport: Delays Despite Being the Busiest

Despite being the busiest airport in the UK, London Heathrow has not been immune to delays. The airport recorded an average delay of 18 minutes, earning it a place on several “worst 10” lists for punctuality. While Heathrow has more resources and infrastructure than most airports, delays remain a problem for travelers passing through.

The sheer size of Heathrow often leads to long queues, especially at check-in and security. While it offers a wide range of amenities, the large crowds and busy terminals make the experience less than ideal for passengers looking for a hassle-free journey.

Avoiding the Worst Airports in England

Traveling through the worst airports in England can be a major headache. With long delays, crowded terminals, limited seating, and overpriced services, airports like Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, and others continue to disappoint travelers. For a smoother travel experience, consider choosing airports with better on-time performance and more efficient services. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, avoiding these frustrating airports can make your journey far more pleasant.