BELFAST City Airport has been named as the most punctual airport in the UK, according to new industry figures.
Civil Aviation Authority data analysed by the Press Association shows the Belfast airport reported the shortest average flight delay of just eight minutes last year.
This compares to 25 minutes reported at London Stansted - the worst performing out of the 24 major airports in the UK.
Birmingham and London Luton recorded the joint second worst punctuality performance, with aircraft typically taking off 19 minutes behind schedule.
The ranking takes into account every scheduled and chartered flight from major UK airports. Cancelled flights are not included.
Across all featured airports the UK average of 16 minutes was double the rate recorded at Belfast City Airport in 2018. Liverpool (John Lennon) was in second place for punctuality (10 minutes), followed by Doncaster Sheffield, Exeter and Bournemouth (12 minutes).
Belfast International Airport placed joint-seventh in the rankings, reporting an average delay of 15 minutes.
Rory Boland, editor of consumer magazine Which? Travel said it is "completely unacceptable" for passengers to be delayed for almost half an hour.
"These delays aren't just an inconvenience but can leave holidaymakers hundreds of pounds out of pocket because of missed connections, transfers and fines for picking up their hire car late.
"While compensation is available for delays of over three hours, airlines should stop passing the buck and make it easier for their passengers by finally introducing automatic compensation."
Last year Belfast City Airport began work on a £15 million refurbishment programme, the biggest infrastructural investment in the airport’s 80-year history.
This has included upgrade works to the security area, improvements to the departure lounge's retail, food and beverage offering, additional seating and enhanced toilet facilities.
In January, Flybe was named the top UK airline for punctuality by Flight Global with its 86.5 per cent punctuality in and out of George Best Belfast City Airport higher above its lofty UK average.
Speaking at the time Belfast City Airport commercial director, Katy Best said the punctuality was testament to the positive relationship Flybe has enjoyed with the airport over the past 35 years.
“We are committed to providing an enjoyable experience for all our passengers, whether they are taking off from or arriving at Belfast City Airport, and we work closely with all our partners to ensure a smooth journey for our customers. As an example, as part of our £15m investment in our facilities a major upgrade to the Security area last year has reduced passenger processing time to an average of just six minutes," she said.
