A recent study has unveiled the optimal time of year for smooth air travel with minimal delays. March emerged as the most favorable month to fly, experiencing an average delay of just under 10 minutes in 2025, making it the most punctual month. Approximately 1% of flights were canceled during this period, marking it as one of the least disrupted months for air travel.
The research conducted by Go.Compare analyzed flight data from 25 UK airports in 2024 and 2025 to determine the best time of year for reduced flight delays. July, on the contrary, recorded the longest average delay of 23 minutes, indicating it as the least punctual month for air travel.
March, February, and November were identified as the top three months for air travel from the UK, showcasing average delay times under 15 minutes. Leeds Bradford Airport stood out in March with an impressively low average delay of just five minutes, the best in the UK.
Belfast City Airport emerged as one of the top-performing airports for minimal delays throughout the year. This information is especially valuable now, given the increasing number of flight delays experienced by airlines in the UK.
Data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) revealed a significant decrease in on-time departures post-Covid compared to pre-pandemic levels. Various factors, including heightened flight volumes, airspace constraints due to conflicts, and air traffic control (ATC) staffing issues, contribute to the delays.
According to a study by Which?, major airlines like British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Tui, and Wizz Air were less punctual in 2024-2025 compared to pre-pandemic times. July and September were identified as the least reliable months for on-time travel, with average delays of 23 and 22 minutes, respectively.
Overall, Belfast City and London City Airports performed the best, boasting average delay times of just 11 and 13 minutes, respectively. Travel insurance expert Rhys Jones from Go.Compare emphasized the importance of flexibility in travel plans to avoid lengthy delays and suggested flying from smaller airports for reduced risks.
Preparing for potential delays by packing essentials in hand luggage and ensuring adequate travel insurance coverage for flight disruptions can help alleviate the stress of unexpected delays during peak travel periods.