Air India has been identified as the least punctual airline operating from UK airports in 2024, with an average departure delay of 45 minutes and 48 seconds, according to data analyzed by the PA news agency from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) .
The analysis about punctual airlines considered all scheduled and chartered departures by airlines with over 2,500 flights from UK airports last year. Notably, the Gatwick to Bengaluru route experienced the longest average delay, clocking in at one hour and 23 minutes across 50 departures.
Consumer advocacy group Which? Travel criticized Air India’s performance as “completely unacceptable,” highlighting the significant inconvenience caused to passengers. In response, Air India attributed the delays to factors beyond its control, including air traffic congestion and staffing shortages in European airspace.
Air India’s UK operations span major airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, and Birmingham, connecting to Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The airline increased its UK flight operations by 56% in 2024 compared to 2019, with projections indicating a 90% rise in 2025 following increased flight frequencies on several routes in March .
Aviation consultant John Strickland noted that Air India is undergoing significant restructuring efforts under the Tata Group, which acquired the airline in January 2022. He emphasized the need for improvements in engineering, manpower, and spare parts availability to enhance operational reliability.
Despite these challenges, Air India maintains that it is committed to improving punctuality and overall service quality.The airline’s efforts include addressing engineering and maintenance issues, as well as enhancing customer service protocols.
As Air India continues its transformation under new ownership, the airline faces mounting pressure to meet international standards of punctuality and service excellence, particularly in competitive markets like the UK.
