Which short-haul airline was ranked UK’s worst for delays last year? | Travel News
A journey skilled says the regulator – the Civil Aviation Authority – must be given more durable powers to cope with poor airline behaviour.
Wizz Air was the worst main airline for flight delays from the UK last yr, in keeping with an investigation.
The figures, from the Civil Aviation Authority and reported by the PA information company, discovered that the Hungarian service’s UK departures have been a median of 46 minutes and 6 seconds not on time last yr.
This delay was greater than 3 times longer than the earlier yr, when it was additionally ranked the worst for punctuality.
Tui was the second worst, with a median delay of 40 minutes and 18 seconds, adopted by Qatar Airways (31 minutes and 48 seconds), Turkish Airlines (29 minutes and 30 seconds) and Pegasus Airlines (27 minutes and 18 seconds).
The most punctual was Norwegian Air Shuttle, with a median delay of simply 13 minutes and 42 seconds.
Across all departures from UK airports by airways with greater than 2,500 flights, the typical delay was 23 minutes.
Rory Boland, editor of journal Which? Travel, stated: “These figures are worrying, however shall be no shock to passengers who’ve needed to endure shoddy remedy from airways for years.
“With a regulator nonetheless missing the suitable powers to punish airways who break the legislation, together with withholding refunds, it’s troublesome to flee the conclusion that some carriers are merely getting away with leaving passengers excessive and dry.
“To higher shield passengers, the federal government should give the CAA efficient powers to clamp down on poor airline behaviour, which incorporates the power handy out hefty fines after they frequently flout the legislation.”
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CAA client director Paul Smith stated: “The CAA has often requested for stronger client enforcement powers, together with the power to impose fines on airways.
“When issues do go unsuitable, we count on airways to proactively present passengers with details about their rights when flights are disrupted, in addition to provide well timed help and help.
“We’ve already raised concerns about Wizz Air and are working closely with the airline to improve outcomes for consumers.”
The CAA stated in December that the service was delaying refunds and its passengers have been extra more likely to escalate their complaints.
A spokesman for commerce physique Airlines UK stated: “The complete business is aware of how essential punctuality is for prospects.
“Last yr was not consultant because of the late unwinding of COVID restrictions which required a really steep ramp up.
“Since then, the sector has invested huge resources into increased resilience for this summer and we can’t wait to welcome people back for their well-earned breaks.”
Wizz Air has not commented.