Wizz Air has been named the worst major airline for flight delays from UK airports for the second year running – with passengers running an average of 46 minutes behind schedule

Wizz Air was the worst major airline for delays from UK airports for the second year running, a survey has found.

The Hungarian airline’s departures in 2022 were on average 46 minutes and six seconds behind schedule, according to a Press Association analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data.

That was more than three times as long as 2021, when it was also last on time.

Consumer group which? described the figures as “alarming” and claimed that they showed that the CAA needed to be given stricter powers.

Last year, Tui recorded the second worst punctuality with an average delay of 40 minutes and 18 seconds, followed by Qatar Airways (31 minutes and 48 seconds). Norwegian Air Shuttle fared best with delays of 13 minutes and 42 seconds.

Tui recorded the second worst punctuality last year with an average delay of 40 minutes and 18 seconds

May and June were the worst months for punctuality as the airline industry failed to recruit and train enough staff to meet the surge in holiday demand following the end of the UK’s coronavirus travel rules.

Rory Boland, editor of what? Travel said: “These figures are alarming but should come as no surprise to passengers who have endured years of careless treatment by airlines.

With a regulator still lacking the powers it needs to punish airlines that break the law, including withholding refunds, it’s hard to escape the conclusion that some airlines can get away with simply overcharging passengers and keep dry.

“To better protect passengers, the government should give the CAA effective powers to take action against airline violations, including the ability to impose large fines if they continue to break the law.”

The CAA has civil enforcement powers against airlines, but complaints usually take several years to resolve.

Government proposals to give the regulator more powers were discussed in early 2022, but no changes were made.

Paul Smith, consumer director of the CAA, claimed last year that “too many passengers were experiencing disappointing delays”.

He continued: “The CAA has regularly called for stronger enforcement powers for consumers, including the ability to fine airlines.

Strikes by security staff at Heathrow (pictured here), border guards at various airports and passport service staff have recently impacted the aviation sector

“If something goes wrong, we expect airlines to be proactive in informing passengers of their flight disruption rights and providing timely support and assistance. “We have previously raised our concerns with Wizz Air and are now working with the airline to improve consumer outcomes.”

In December 2022, the CAA said it had “significant concerns” about the Hungarian airline because it was delaying issuing refunds and its passengers were more likely to lodge escalating complaints than those of other airlines.

Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said a high number of flight bookings showed consumers were “confident that issues have largely been resolved”.

But he warned that strikes were “creating disruption and I expect it to get worse in the coming months”.

He added: “This could be an equally difficult and unpredictable year for those who expect a smooth ride with every trip.”

Strikes that have hit the aviation sector in recent months include strikes by security staff at Heathrow, border guards at various airports and passport officers.

A spokesman for trade organization Airlines UK said: “The whole industry knows how important punctuality is to customers.

“Last year was not representative due to the late lifting of Covid restrictions which required a very steep ramp.

“Since then, the industry has invested heavily in resilience for this summer and we can’t wait to welcome people back for their well-deserved break.”

Wizz Air did not respond to a request for comment.