Regional Airports Outperform Major Cities in Reliability

Regional Airports Outperform Major Hubs in Holiday Travel

As the holiday season approaches, a recent study has revealed that regional airports often outperform major hubs, offering more reliable travel experiences. This insight is particularly valuable for travelers planning their Christmas and New Year trips, as it highlights which airports and airlines are most likely to operate on time during the busy winter months.

The research, conducted by the eSim company Saily, analyzed data to determine the UK airports and airlines that are most prone to delays and those that maintain better punctuality. The findings indicate that larger airports such as Gatwick, Stansted, Edinburgh, and Heathrow continue to face challenges with delays during the winter season. In contrast, smaller regional airports like East Midlands, Liverpool, and Bournemouth are proving to be more reliable options for travelers seeking smooth departures.

Top Performing UK Airports for Holiday Travel

According to the study, the most reliable UK airports for holiday travel have been ranked based on their on-time performance:

• East Midlands leads the list with 78.3% of flights departing on time.
• Liverpool (John Lennon) follows closely with 72.5% of flights on schedule.
• Bournemouth and Luton take third and fourth place, with 71.1% and 70.8% of flights on time respectively.
• Belfast City (George Best) rounds out the top five with 69.86% of flights arriving or departing on time.

These airports offer a more predictable travel experience, which is especially important during the busy holiday season when even minor delays can cause significant disruptions.

Less Reliable Major Hubs

On the other hand, some of the country’s busiest airports struggled with punctuality:

• Gatwick had just 59.7% of flights on time.
• Stansted recorded 61.5% of flights on schedule.
• Isle of Man and Edinburgh had 62.6% and 62.7% respectively.
• Heathrow, the UK’s largest airport, saw only 63.0% of flights on time.

These numbers highlight the challenges faced by major hubs during peak travel periods, where congestion and weather conditions can lead to widespread delays.

Early Morning Flights and Reliable Airlines

The study also found that early morning departures are less likely to be affected by knock-on delays that accumulate throughout the day. This suggests that travelers who choose to fly early may enjoy a smoother journey.

In addition to airport performance, the research identified the top five most reliable airlines for December travel:

1. Japan Airlines
2. Aeromexico
3. JetBlue
4. All Nippon Airways
5. Lufthansa City Airlines

These airlines demonstrated strong on-time performance, making them ideal choices for travelers looking for dependable service during the holidays.

Expert Insights and Travel Tips

Vykintas Maknickas, CEO at Saily, emphasized the importance of understanding airport performance when planning holiday travel. He noted that small delays can quickly escalate into major disruptions, especially during the busy winter months. “Knowing which hubs typically run smoothly helps travelers plan better—whether that means choosing a different connection or simply adding a bit of buffer time,” he said.

Maknickas also pointed out that performance varies significantly depending on the region and carrier. With the arrival of winter, weather conditions play a more critical role in flight operations, and even the most reliable airlines may face increased disruptions. For many travelers, flexibility and staying updated with real-time information are key to navigating the challenges of holiday travel.