At a Glance
- London Southend Airport ranked the second-best UK airport for the shortest delays
- Average delay time was just 10 minutes and 24 seconds
- The airport outperformed major hubs including Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Stansted Airport
- New winter routes to Budapest and Belfast launch from October 2026
- The airport missed the top spot by just 60 seconds
London Southend Airport has soared to the top end of the UK league table for on-time departures, and is now officially ranked the country’s second-best airport for minimal flight delays.
With an average wait time of 10 minutes 24 seconds, according to CAA data, the result means London Southend outperformed some of the UK’s biggest airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester.
And it further cements the award-winning airports’ reputation as an easy, speedy, friendly choice for passengers across Essex, London and East Anglia.
London Southend Airport was pipped at the post for the number one spot by the narrowest of margins – exactly 60 seconds; Liverpool John Lennon Airport has thrown down the gauntlet for London’s favourite airport.
Jude Winstanley, CEO of London Southend Airport, said:
“The national average for delays sits at 14 minutes and 54 seconds. London Southend Airport’s performance was more than four minutes better than the UK average, a result every single member of our team should feel proud of.
“From our operational teams to our airline partners and frontline staff, everybody plays a part in keeping passengers moving efficiently, safely, and heading away on holiday on time. To miss out on the top spot by just 60 seconds gives us something to aim for this year! So if you want to jet off on time this summer, book your next holiday from London Southend.”
The good news comes as London Southend announces a flurry of additional routes for its winter schedule, including flights to Budapest and Belfast from October 2026.
Top ten UK airports for lowest average delays in 2025
| Airport | Average delay time |
|---|---|
| 1. Liverpool John Lennon | 9 minutes 24 seconds |
| 2. London Southend | 10 minutes 24 seconds |
| 3. Aberdeen | 10 minutes 54 seconds |
| 4. East Midlands | 11 minutes 48 seconds |
| 5. = Belfast City | 12 minutes 6 seconds |
| 5. = Glasgow | 12 minutes 6 seconds |
| 6. Belfast International | 12 minutes 24 seconds |
| 7. London Heathrow | 12 minutes 42 seconds |
| 8. London Luton | 14 minutes 12 seconds |
| 9. London City | 14 minutes 12 seconds |
| 10. Bristol | 14 minutes 36 seconds |
| 16. London Stansted | 15 minutes 36 seconds |
| 19. London Gatwick | 16 minutes 24 seconds |
The CAA rankings assessed scheduled and charter departures from 23 commercial UK airports handling more than 1,000 outbound flights during the year.
More information can be found at London Southend Airport.