Airlines improved their punctuality and cut delays last year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.
Latest figures from 10 airports monitored by the CAA show that on-time performance was higher and average delays were cut in 2003 over the previous year.
Seventy four per cent of charter flights were on time against 68% in 2002, while the average delay was reduced to 20 minutes from 23 minutes.
Average delays by scheduled carriers were reduced by 16 minutes to 14 minutes, while 76% of flights left on time against 72% in 2002.
Stansted showed the geatest improvement in on-time performance by scheduled airlines, from just 64% in 2002 to 76% last year. Eight of the 10 airports saw increased on-time performance by scheduled flights.
Scheduled destinations that suffered from the highest average delays of 18 minutes or more were Lisbon, Rome (Fiumicino), Toronto and New York JFK.
Report by Phil Davies
