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New research indicates that flight delays at UK airports were considerably lower than before the pandemic, despite a rise in air ticket prices.
Officials reported that the primary obstacle to timeliness in the previous year was the disruption of air traffic control in the UK and other parts of Europe.
Problems such as system malfunctions, insufficient personnel, and labor strikes had a significant impact on flight operations during the year 2023.
According to data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), only 64% of flights were able to depart or arrive within 15 minutes of their designated time in 2023.
This has increased from 63% in the past year, but has decreased from the pre-pandemic rate of 75% in 2019.
During the last quarter of the year, Gatwick airport had the lowest punctuality rate with only 63% of flights arriving on schedule.
The next highest percentages were seen in Edinburgh, Heathrow, and Stansted, with each airport recording 65%.
The Office for National Statistics reported that the average cost of air travel to and from the UK in July-September 2023 was 24% higher compared to the previous year.
In a recent statement, CEO of Ryanair Michael O’Leary projected a potential 10% increase in ticket prices for the summer season due to the postponed arrival of new aircraft from Boeing.
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During a media event held at the Spencer Hotel in Dublin, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary delivered a speech to the press.
The Civil Aviation Authority has stated that they are reiterating the responsibilities of airports and airlines towards passengers.
Depending on the length of a flight delay, passengers may be entitled to support such as food and drink, overnight accommodation, alternative travel arrangements and compensation.
The CAA’s consumer head, Anna Bowles, informed the PA news agency that it is crucial for on-time performance to improve as the number of passengers returning to pre-pandemic levels increases. This will ensure that passengers are provided with the service they deserve and anticipate.
We aim to ensure passengers are safeguarded by providing them with necessary guidance and ensuring they understand their rights prior to traveling.
According to the CAA, there was a spike in last-minute flight cancellations in 2023. This was the highest recorded since 2015, with 2020 being an exception due to the global pandemic affecting travel.
In 2020, about 1.8% of flights departing from UK airports were canceled within 24 hours of their scheduled time, which is higher than the 0.9% cancellation rate in 2019.
In 2023, an estimated total of 276 million passengers traveled through airports in the UK.
This marks a 23% rise from the 2022 total of 224 million and was 8% lower than the 2019 count of 300 million.
Source: independent.co.uk
