Wizz Air is the worst in a particular indicator for the second year in a row

A recent study has ranked the Hungarian low-cost airline as the worst large airline in terms of delays at UK airports. For the second year in a row, Wizz Air has won this less than honourable recognition.

Wizz Air delays in the UK

According to a recent survey, Hungarian airline Wizz Air had an average delay of 46 minutes, 6 seconds in 2022. The data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) was researched by the Press Association. Wizz Air is the worst performing of the major airlines.

The Hungarian airline already won this less than honourable distinction last year. It’s not a good sign that the airline’s figures have worsened compared to 2021, with delays of more than 46 minutes almost three times as bad as the year before.

A consumer group called Which? described the data as “worrying”. They also believe it demonstrates the need for the CAA to be given stricter powers.

Read also: Wizz Air rescued Hungarian passengers left in trouble

The full list

TUI came in second with an average delay of 40 minutes, while Qatar Airways came in third with an average delay of 31 minutes and 48 seconds. Norwegian Air Shuttle is on the other side, with an average delay of just 13 minutes 42 seconds.

Interestingly, most delays occurred in May and June. The Daily Mail explains this by the fact that the airline industry was unable to cope with the sudden surge in demand for travel after the lifting of the coronavirus restrictions.

‘These figures are worrying, but will be no surprise to passengers who’ve had to endure shoddy treatment from airlines for years” said Rory Boland, the editor of Which? Travel magazine.

Boland says stricter regulation is needed. “To better protect passengers, the Government must give the CAA effective powers to clamp down on poor airline behaviour, which includes the ability to hand out hefty fines when they continually flout the law” said Boland.

Another problem is that court cases can drag on for years. The UK government consulted on greater powers for the authorities in early 2022, but no decision was taken.

CAA consumer director Paul Smith said “[w]e’ve already raised concerns about Wizz Air and are working closely with the airline to improve outcomes for consumers”.

The CAA already indicated in 2022 that Wizz Air was often late in paying refunds. While travel demand is not decreasing, everyone hopes that the delays are a thing of the past, but strikes can still cause disruption for tourists.