LONDON- Air India (AI) secured the worst ranking for UK flight delays in 2024, according to Civil Aviation Authority data analysis conducted by PA news agency. The carrier’s departures from UK airports averaged 45 minutes and 48 seconds behind schedule throughout the year.
The Gatwick (LGW) to Bangalore (BLR) route recorded the longest average delay across Air India’s network, with departures running one hour and 23 minutes late across 50 scheduled flights.
Photo: Clément AlloingAir India Delay Rankings
Air India (AI) claimed the top spot for the longest time delays, as per PA News Agency. Guernsey-based Aurigny Air Services (GR) claimed second place in delay rankings with an average of 31 minutes and 12 seconds.
Turkish low-cost carrier SunExpress (XQ) followed with delays averaging 29 minutes and 36 seconds, while Air Portugal (TP) recorded 25 minutes and 12 seconds.
Irish carrier Emerald Airlines (EA) achieved the best performance among the analysed operators, with UK departures delayed by just 10 minutes and 30 seconds on average.
The analysis included all scheduled and chartered departures from UK airports by airlines operating more than 2,500 flights annually, excluding cancelled services.
The average delay across all analysed airlines decreased to 18 minutes and 18 seconds in 2024, down from 20 minutes and 42 seconds in 2023. This modest improvement occurred despite individual carriers like Air India (AI) significantly underperforming industry standards.
Photo: Paul Evans | FlickrAir India’s Troubled History
Tata Group acquired Air India (AI) from the Indian government in January 2022 after the carrier accumulated billions of pounds in losses under state ownership.
The airline operates UK services from Birmingham (BHX), Gatwick (LGW), and Heathrow (LHR) airports, connecting to Indian cities including Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bengaluru (BLR).
Aviation analytics company Cirium reported Air India (AI) operated 56% more flights from UK airports in 2024 compared to 2019 levels. The carrier plans to increase this to 90% in 2025 after boosting flight frequencies on several routes in March.
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Aviation consultant John Strickland explained that Air India (AI) developed a “poor reputation” for delays and cancellations before the Tata takeover. Insufficient funds for aircraft spare parts forced the airline to ground portions of its fleet, creating operational disruptions.
Strickland noted: “They’re coming out of this period of malaise pre-the Tata takeover, and now have to put in work on their engineering, manpower, spare parts holding, all those factors.”
He emphasised that despite Air India’s promotion of new Airbus A350 first-class products, operational reliability remains paramount.
Travel editor Rory Boland condemned Air India’s performance as “completely unacceptable,” highlighting passenger frustration with unreliable services despite high airfare costs.
Boland stated: “It’s time for airlines to get their act together and start delivering the service their customers are paying for.”
Photo: Clément AlloingAir India Response
Air India (AI) attributed 2024 delays to “factors beyond our control” while highlighting operational initiatives including self-check-in, automated baggage drop, and streamlined boarding processes.
The airline cited deployment of new Airbus A350 and upgraded Boeing 787-9 aircraft on UK routes as punctuality enhancement measures.
The carrier claimed significant improvement in on-time performance during the first three months of 2025, particularly on direct UK-India flights, reflected in improved customer satisfaction scores.
Passenger Rights
UK regulations entitle passengers to assistance, including reasonable food, drink, communication access, and overnight accommodation when flights experience delays.
Passengers may claim compensation up to £520 from airlines when delays result from factors within the carrier’s control, such as aircraft faults or crew issues.
The compensation structure varies based on route distance and delay duration, providing financial recourse for passengers affected by airline operational failures.
London Heathrow Airport; Photo: Ferrovial ConstructionExpectations From CAA
CAA head of consumers Anna Bowles emphasised expectations for high service standards among UK-operating airlines. While acknowledging that most carriers reduced delays in 2024, Bowles stressed the significant passenger disruption caused by unreliable services.
The regulator expects airlines to minimise delay impacts through timely passenger communication and proper adherence to passenger rights legislation. This regulatory framework aims to balance operational realities with consumer protection requirements.
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The post Air India Ranks No.1 in UK’s Worst Flight Delay Rankings appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
