London City ranked among UK's most reliable airports ahead of Christmas rush

As Christmas approaches, holidaymakers are searching for a festive escape.

However, with the usual Christmas travel rush comes the stress of delayed and cancelled flights.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, UK airports had an average flight delay of 16 minutes in 2024—an improvement on last year’s average of 21 minutes but still a concern for those hoping to enjoy a stress-free getaway.

Travel Republic has revealed the UK’s most punctual airports—just in time to help you plan your perfect Christmas getaway and help make holiday journeys a little less stressful.

London City has been named the UK’s second most reliable airport.

Renowned for its efficiency, London City Airport secures second place with a cancellation rate of 4.04%, equating to 2,039 flights cancelled.

With an average delay of 13.49 minutes and just 3.9% of flights experiencing delays of 1-2 hours, London City is a promising contender for festive travellers - not to mention those who like arriving ahead of schedule - with 7.4% of flights arriving more than 15 minutes early.

The top 10 most reliable UK airports are:

1. Belfast City (George Best)

2. London City

3. Teeside International Airport

4. Liverpool John Lennon

5. East Midlands International

6. Exeter

7. Glasgow

8. Southampton

9. Cardiff Wales

10. Leeds Bradford

Gemma Brown, Head of Product at Travel Republic added: "To ensure a stress-free travel experience during the busy festive season, it’s a good idea to arrive at the airport 2–3 hours before domestic flights and 3–4 hours before international trips. This allows extra time for potential delays, especially if security lines are longer than usual.

“It’s also a good idea to keep your documents organised, ensuring your passport meets entry requirements and your boarding passes are easily accessible, helping to speed up check-in and boarding times. To avoid surprises and additional fees, it’s also wise to familiarise yourself with your airline’s luggage policies in advance, including size, weight, and any restricted or prohibited items that cannot be packed in carry-on or checked luggage.”