Delays around certain months of the year, certain times or even specific airports could prove to be an annoyance.
If you want the greatest chance of avoiding those sorts of pesky delays, there is an ideal time and place to fly out from.
Research from the travel search engine KAYAK has looked into this to find the best way to avoid delays and busy airports.
The best month, time and airport to fly out from the UK in 2025
Best month to travel
The summer months are often very busy at airports, so Rachel Mumford, travel expert at KAYAK, has shared some advice to help travellers navigate this time of the year.
She shared: “If you’re looking to reach your holiday destination on time, May is an attractive month to fly with only 31% of flights delayed compared to July and September last year at 44% – which were the busiest months of the year for delays.
“However, with kids starting their school summer holidays, it’s likely that July will be a popular option. For those who are flying out this month, where possible, try and avoid flying on the 17th and 29th, when tickets were most expensive last year.
“August 1st is also expected to be the busiest day for flying, so choosing an alternative date would help avoid crowds.”
If you want to be sure about the best days to travel on, you can use the KAYAK ‘Best Time to Travel’ tool.
Best time to travel
Perhaps understandably, if you want the best chance of avoiding delays, then you’ll need to catch a very early flight.
In 2024, only 15% of flights departing at 5am were delayed, compared to over half (51%) of the flights departing between 2pm and 8pm.
Rachel adds: “Flying before 7am is ideal, however, if that doesn’t match your schedule, then try and avoid flying in the afternoon and evening.
“Plus, for those taking international flights, choosing an earlier flight at 5am is cheaper than late night flights between 9pm – 10pm.”
Best airport to travel from
If you’re looking to avoid delays, then travelling from smaller airports will give you the best chance.
The likes of Heathrow and Gatwick were among the worst for delayed flights in 2024.
Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, Nottingham and Liverpool were among the best.
Rachel explains: “Nottingham, Liverpool and Bournemouth were some of the most punctual airports in the UK last year compared to London City, London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Belfast.
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“However, not all smaller airports are exempt, as Aberdeen Airport had the most cancellations by far, at 3.1%.
“For travellers who have no choice but to travel through bigger and busier airports, they should allow ample layover time for delays.
“For intercontinental flights, try and go through smaller airports or fly direct to avoid layovers.”
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