Gatwick Airport has been named the UK’s worst-performing airport in the latest AirHelp Score, a global ranking of 250 airports across 68 countries.
The West Sussex hub, which handled over 43 million passengers in 2024, placed 235th overall—making it the lowest-ranked UK airport in the report.
The annual index, compiled by passenger rights organisation AirHelp, evaluates airports based on punctuality, customer feedback, and the quality of food and retail offerings. Gatwick’s low score reflects ongoing concerns around flight delays and passenger experience, particularly during peak travel periods.
Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, also struggled in the rankings, coming in at 178th place. Manchester Airport fared even worse, with its main terminal ranked 220th. In contrast, Liverpool John Lennon Airport emerged as the UK’s top performer, climbing 108 places to reach 35th globally. London City Airport also performed well, securing 56th place.
The findings come as UK travellers face rising costs for airport parking and continued pressure on terminal infrastructure. Short-stay parking fees have reached nearly £200 at some London airports, while long queues and limited amenities remain a concern at several major hubs.
AirHelp CEO Tomasz Pawliszyn commented: “Our data offers a clear picture of where travellers are most—and least—likely to face delays. While it’s encouraging to see improvements at some UK airports, others continue to fall short on key passenger expectations.”
As the summer travel season intensifies, the report serves as a timely reminder for business travellers to consider not just flight routes, but the airport experience itself—particularly when time, comfort and reliability are at a premium.