Study: March Is the Best Month to Avoid Flight Delays in the UK

A new analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data by insurance comparison site Go.Compare found that March 2025 was the least disruptive month for UK air travellers, with the shortest average delays and one of the lowest cancellation rates.

Go.Compare examined cancellations and delays across 25 UK airports and reported that passengers flying in March 2025 experienced an average delay of about nine minutes and an average cancellation rate of 1.1 percent, which the firm estimated equated to roughly 1,600 cancelled departures.

The study identified February and November as other comparatively quiet months for delays, while July emerged as the worst month, with an average delay of 23 minutes. Go.Compare's month-by-month breakdown showed February with an average delay of 11 minutes and a cancellation rate of 0.8 percent, and November with a 13-minute average delay and a 2.2 percent cancellation rate.

Airport performance varied across the year. In March, Leeds Bradford recorded the lowest average delay at five minutes. Belfast City (George Best) and London City were among the top-performing airports overall, with average delays of about 11 minutes and 13 minutes respectively across the period analysed. Other notable entries in the firm's monthly ranking included Aberdeen having an average delay of 12 minutes in December and Liverpool (John Lennon) recording a 14-minute average delay in September.

Rhys Jones, travel insurance expert at Go.Compare, said that while some delays are unavoidable, travellers can reduce disruption by choosing quieter months or smaller airports where possible. "If your travel plans are flexible, choosing your departure date could help prevent a long delay, as some peak months see significantly more problems like busy terminals and long wait times," Jones said. He also recommended packing essentials in hand luggage and checking travel insurance policies for cover that applies to extensive delays or cancellations.

The findings carry implications for consumer decision-making and for businesses in the travel and insurance sectors. Airlines and airports contend with seasonal demand spikes that can strain resources and facilities; quieter months can translate into lower ground congestion and faster turnaround times. For insurers, variation in delay and cancellation patterns informs product design and pricing, particularly for policies that include compensation for long delays or missed connections.

Go.Compare based its conclusions on CAA reports covering 25 UK airports; the company published a ranked list of months by average delay and cancellation percentage. The data underscore significant seasonal differences: the peak summer month of July showed the longest average delays, while early spring months delivered the most punctual performance in 2025.

Consumers planning travel for 2026 can use such publicly available data to time bookings and select departure airports that historically report shorter delays, while industry stakeholders may use the findings to target operational improvements and tailor insurance offerings. Go.Compare advised that, where possible, flying from smaller airports such as Leeds Bradford or London City "might just reduce your risk" of long delays.