Heathrow closure caused UK’s single biggest flight disruption of 2025
The temporary closure of Heathrow Airport on 21 March, 2025 was the single biggest disruption event in the UK last year, according to new data from AirHelp, the leading air passenger rights organisation.
An unexpected power outage forced the UK’s busiest airport to shut for much of the day, and AirHelp's UK Flight Disruption Report reveals that almost all passengers travelling through Heathrow were affected - with 99% of passengers disrupted and 98% of all flights cancelled - triggering knock-on chaos across the UK and international flight network.
The Heathrow shutdown was the most severe single disruption in a chaotic year for UK aviation. In 2025, nearly one million (940 thousand) flights operated and 36 million passengers - 26% of all travellers - experienced delays or cancellations.
Despite the scale of disruption, millions of affected passengers may not have realised they were entitled to compensation or assistance under UK and EU passenger rights laws.
The report also shows disruption across major flight hubs in the UK, with Manchester Airport ranking as the most delayed airport in 2025, with nearly a third (32%) of all passengers disrupted. On the contrary, Liverpool John Lennon Airport emerged as the UK’s most punctual, with the highest percentage of on-time departures at 83%.
These insights highlight the uneven experience of passengers depending on the airports they travel through, underscoring the importance of knowing your rights when delays occur.
Tomasz Pawliszyn, AirHelp CEO, said: “2025 was a challenging year for UK air travel, with millions of passengers experiencing delays or cancellations. The Heathrow closure in March was an extreme example, but our research shows disruption was widespread, from major airports to smaller regional hubs.
“Many passengers affected may not realise they are entitled to compensation and understanding your rights is more important than ever. Our report is designed to help travellers navigate these situations and ensure they can claim what they are owed.”
For more information on your passenger rights, or to check if you are eligible for compensation, visit AirHelp.co.uk or download the AirHelp app.
Find out more about AirHelp’s 2025 Disruption Report here.