Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air has been recognized as the world’s least punctual airline for the second year in a row. In 2023, the airline’s average flight delay across UK airports was 31 minutes and 36 seconds, according to data from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), as reported by The Independent.
The analysis considered all scheduled and charter departures from UK airports by airlines operating more than 2,500 flights. Canceled flights were excluded from the assessment. The overall average delay for these flights was 20 minutes and 42 seconds, an improvement from the 23-minute average delay recorded in 2022, indicating a slight improvement in flight punctuality over the past year.
In stark contrast, Wizz Air’s main competitor in the European budget airline market, Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair, proved to be much more punctual. Ryanair ranked 14th in the punctuality list, with an average delay of 19 minutes and 54 seconds.
Top 10 Least Punctual Airlines in the World in 2023
- Wizz Air, Hungary – Average delay: 31 minutes 36 seconds
- Turkish Airlines, Turkey – Average delay: 28 minutes 36 seconds
- TUI, United Kingdom – Average delay: 28 minutes 24 seconds
- Air India, India – Average delay: 28 minutes 12 seconds
- Pegasus Airlines, Turkey – Average delay: 25 minutes 6 seconds
- Air Portugal, Portugal – Average delay: 23 minutes 48 seconds
- Vueling Airlines, Spain – Average delay: 23 minutes 6 seconds
- Swiss Airlines, Switzerland – Average delay: 22 minutes 48 seconds
- Air Canada, Canada – Average delay: 22 minutes 6 seconds
- British Airways, United Kingdom – Average delay: 21 minutes 36 seconds
The rankings highlight significant punctuality challenges faced by Wizz Air compared to its peers. The airline’s performance continues to lag behind other major carriers, especially in the competitive budget airline sector.
