TUI Ranked Among Worst Airlines in Britain for Flight Delays

Crystal Travel | Travel News | 22 June 2026

TUI Airways has placed fifth worst for punctuality in a new analysis of Civil Aviation Authority data, with average departure delays of over 20 minutes recorded across UK airports in 2025.

TUI Among Bottom Five Airlines for Punctuality

TUI Airways has been ranked among the worst airlines in Britain for flight delays, according to a new analysis of Civil Aviation Authority data. The findings arrive as UK holidaymakers prepare for another busy summer travel season, with punctuality once again emerging as a key concern for passengers flying from British airports.

The leisure airline recorded average departure delays of 20 minutes and 24 seconds in 2025, placing it fifth-worst among 34 airlines included in the analysis. The review covered scheduled and chartered flights departing from UK airports and focused only on carriers operating more than 2,500 flights during the year. Cancelled flights were excluded, meaning the figures reflect only services that operated but departed later than scheduled.

UK Airline Delay Rankings Show Ongoing Punctuality Challenges

Where TUI Sits in the Overall Rankings

Air India recorded the longest average delay among all airlines analysed, with departures running 36 minutes and 36 seconds behind schedule. Blue Islands followed with an average of 25 minutes and 12 seconds, while TAP Air Portugal came third at 23 minutes. Saudia ranked fourth at 21 minutes and 18 seconds, placing TUI directly behind in fifth place.

Despite the unflattering position, the wider picture shows some meaningful progress across the industry. Average delays across all airlines in the analysis fell to 14 minutes and 48 seconds in 2025, down from 18 minutes and 18 seconds the previous year — a notable improvement, though one that will offer little comfort to passengers who experienced disruption firsthand.

Birmingham to Zante Among TUI's Most Delayed Routes

One of the most affected routes in the data was Birmingham to Zante, where TUI flights were delayed by an average of 46 minutes. The Greek island is a firm favourite among British summer travellers, and disruption on that route carries real consequences — resort check-ins, coach transfers, car hire bookings, and family arrangements all waiting at the other end.

TUI's position in the rankings is particularly significant given that the airline operates many of the UK's most popular leisure routes, covering destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and long-haul holiday markets. For families travelling with young children, passengers connecting to onward transfers, or those on tightly scheduled itineraries, even a moderate delay can set an unwelcome tone for the start of a trip.

TUI's Position on Delays

TUI has said that reducing delays remains a priority for the airline. The company has also pointed out that it often makes the decision to operate a flight rather than cancel it, even where that means some services depart later than planned. For passengers, this represents a difficult balance. A delayed departure is frustrating, but on seasonal holiday routes where alternative flights may be scarce, a cancellation can cause far greater disruption to carefully planned travel arrangements.

It is also worth acknowledging that not every delay falls within an airline's control. Bad weather, air traffic control restrictions, late-arriving aircraft, airport congestion, and technical checks can all contribute to departure times slipping beyond what any carrier can reasonably prevent.

What Passengers Should Know Before They Fly

Travellers are advised to check their flight status ahead of leaving for the airport and to keep boarding passes, booking confirmations, and any receipts safe throughout the journey. Under UK passenger rights rules, those facing significant delays may be entitled to meals, refreshments, and accommodation where required. Compensation may also apply where a flight arrives more than three hours late due to circumstances within the airline's control.

For those travelling with TUI this summer, Crystal Travel's agents are available to assist with flight bookings and offer guidance on your rights ahead of departure.