Fresh analysis of official aviation data has identified the airline with the poorest punctuality record for UK flights in 2025. A study by travel claims firm AirAdvisor, examining Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) statistics from January to September, crowns TUI as the major carrier with the most frequent delays.
The Punctuality League Table: Winners and Losers
TUI recorded the lowest average on-time performance, with just 57.5% of its flights arriving or departing within 15 minutes of schedule across the available data for 2025. The now-defunct Blue Islands followed closely behind, with under 60% punctuality. Swiss Airlines achieved a 64% on-time rate.
In stark contrast, Virgin Atlantic and Loganair shared the title for the most reliable carriers. Both airlines saw an impressive 81% of their flights operate on time during the same period. The combined average for all airlines monitored was 72%.
Understanding the Data and Seasonal Challenges
The research scrutinised the 20 airlines with the highest passenger volume at UK airports, tracking the proportion of delayed flights. The CAA defines a flight as "on-time" if it meets its gate arrival or departure time within a 15-minute window.
Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, commented on the findings. He noted that while many delay factors are outside an airline's control, past performance is a key indicator. "TUI’s on-time performance in quarter three, which includes July and August, is traditionally poor," he said. "This is unfortunate given how many people go on holiday at this time of year."
Radchenko highlighted that CAA data shows less than half of TUI's UK services were on-time in the third quarters of 2023 and 2024. Although this improved to 55% in Q3 2025, it remained far behind Virgin Atlantic's 82% and Loganair's 78% for the same busy summer period.
Passenger Rights and Industry Trends
Despite the issues at some airlines, there is positive news for British travellers. "2025 has been something of a turning point year for the aviation industry," stated Radchenko, with disruptions finally decreasing to near pre-pandemic levels.
However, millions still face delays or cancellations annually. Passengers are reminded that under UK regulation UK261, they could be entitled to up to £520 in compensation, depending on the cause of disruption and the notice provided by the airline.
The full ranking of airlines based on average on-time performance from January to September 2025 is as follows:
- TUI – 57.5% on time
- Blue Islands – 59.5%
- Swiss Airlines – 64%
- KLM and Jet2 – 69%
- Ryanair – 70%
- Air France – 71%
- easyJet – 72%
- American Airlines and Vueling – 74%
- Eurowings and Aer Lingus – 75%
- British Airways, Wizz Air, Emerald Airlines, Lufthansa, United Airlines – 76%
- Emirates – 78%
- Loganair and Virgin Atlantic – 81%
