Wizz Air was the worst major airline for delays from UK airports for the second year in a row, a survey has found.
The Hungarian airline’s departures in 2022 were an average of 46 minutes and six seconds behind schedule, according to analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data by the Press Association.
That was more than three times longer than in 2021, when it was also in last place for punctuality.
Consumer group Which? described the numbers as “worrying” and claimed they show the CAA needs to be given tougher powers.
Tui recorded the second worst punctuality last year, with an average delay of 40 minutes and 18 seconds, followed by Qatar Airways (31 minutes and 48 seconds). Norwegian Air Shuttle performed best with delays of 13 minutes and 42 seconds.
Wizz Air was the worst major airline for delays from UK airports for the second year in a row
Tui recorded the second worst punctuality last year, with an average delay of 40 minutes and 18 seconds
May and June were the worst months for punctuality as the airline industry failed to recruit and train enough staff to meet the surge in holiday demand following the end of UK coronavirus travel rules.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel said: ‘These numbers are alarming, but should come as no surprise to passengers who have endured years of careless treatment from airlines.
With a regulator still lacking the proper powers to penalize airlines that break the law, including withholding refunds, it’s hard to escape the conclusion that some airlines can just get away with keeping passengers high and dry. to leave.
“To better protect passengers, the government should give the CAA effective powers to address airline misconduct, including the ability to issue hefty fines when they continue to violate the law.”
The CAA has civil enforcement powers against airlines, but lawsuits typically take several years to resolve.
Proposals from the government to give the regulator more powers were discussed in early 2022, but no changes were made.
CAA consumer director Paul Smith claimed last year that “too many passengers suffered disappointing delays.”
He continued, “The CAA has regularly called for stronger consumer enforcement powers, including the ability to fine airlines.
Strikes by security staff at Heathrow (pictured here), border officers at several airports and passport office staff have recently impacted the aviation sector
“If things do go wrong, we expect airlines to proactively inform passengers about their rights if flights are disrupted, and to provide timely support and assistance. “We have already raised our concerns about Wizz Air and are working closely with the airline to improve consumer outcomes.”
In December 2022, the CAA said it had “significant concerns” about the Hungarian airline, as it delayed issuing refunds and its passengers were more likely to file escalated complaints than those of other airlines.
Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said a high number of flight bookings indicate that consumers are ‘confident that the problems have largely been resolved’.
But he warned that strikes “cause disruptions and I expect those to get worse in the coming months.”
He added, “This could be an equally difficult and unpredictable year for those who expect a smooth journey on every journey.”
Strikes that have hit the aviation sector in recent months include strikes by security staff at Heathrow, border officers at several airports and passport officers.
A spokesman for trade organization Airlines UK said: ‘The whole industry knows how important punctuality is to customers.
“Last year was not representative due to the late lifting of the Covid restrictions which required a very steep ramp.
“Since then, the industry has invested heavily in more resilience for this summer and we can’t wait to welcome people back for their well-deserved breaks.”
Wizz Air did not respond to a request for comment.
