New study reveals UK’s 15 most reliable airports ahead of Christmas - including Birmingham Airport

As Christmas approaches, holidaymakers are searching for getaways, with Google searches for “flights for Christmas” spiking by +697% in the past month.

Alongside this, there have been over 49,000 searches for "Christmas travel", an increase of 69%, signalling a surge in demand for travel this festive season.

However, with the usual Christmas travel rush comes the stress of delayed and cancelled flights.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, UK airports had an average flight delay of 16 minutes in 2024—an improvement on last year’s average of 21 minutes but still a concern for those hoping to enjoy a stress-free getaway.

Travel Republic has revealed the UK’s most punctual airports—just in time to help you plan your perfect Christmas getaway and help make holiday journeys a little less stressful.

Out of 144 Airports in United Kingdom, Birmingham Airport ranked 12th for punctuality and reliability.

The 15 most punctual airports in the UK

1. Belfast City - Average dealay minutes: 12.56
2. London City - Average dealay minutes: 13.49
3. Teesside International Airport - Average dealay minutes: 14.41
4. Liverpool John Lennon - Average dealay minutes: 14.78
5. East Midlands International - Average dealay minutes: 15.58
6. Exeter - Average dealay minutes: 15.59
7. Glasgow - Average dealay minutes: 15.85
8. Southampton - Average dealay minutes: 16.04
9. Cardiff Wales - Average dealay minutes: 16.56
10. Leeds Bradford - Average dealay minutes: 16.69
11. Aberdeen - Average dealay minutes: 17.63
12. Birmingham - Average dealay minutes: 18.20
13. Belfast International - Average dealay minutes: 18.66
14. Newcastle - Average dealay minutes: 19.07
15. Heathrow - Average dealay minutes: 19.67