Delays on the decline

There was a record number of flights in European air space during the summer months, but fewer delays than would normally be expected. According to figures released by the Association of European Airlines (AEA), some 18.6 per cent of flights were delayed – that is, held up by more than 15 minutes – during the months of July, August and September. This compares to a figure of 22.7 per cent over the same period in 2002. According to the AEA, Rome was the worst airport for delays, with 30.7 per cent of flights late. Rome was followed by Istanbul, Munich, Milan Malpensa, and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Helsinki was the best destination in terms of delayed flights. For the full report visit http://www.aea.be.