Gatwick has been ranked the most stressful airport in the UK during the summer, with travellers most likely to face disruption.
According to a study by online tour operator Exoticaa.com, the airport ranked a stress score of 72 out of 100 – which was 13 higher than its nearest rival – and had the highest average delay time of 31 minutes and 32 seconds.
It also had the fifth highest cancellation rate of 2%, with Exeter airport reaching top spot at 3%.
Drawing from UK Civil Aviation Authority flight punctuality data, the study analysed disruption across June, July and August from 2023 to 2025, covering 25 major UK airports, and calculated individual stress scores based on cancellation rates and departure delays.
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson at Exoticca.com said: “Summer travel can already feel stressful, even before delays or cancellations are added into the mix.
“Both can cause serious disruption, especially when they are flying abroad for a long-awaited holiday.”
The spokesperson added that high airport stress levels during the busier summer months are due to a combination of factors, such as families travelling with more luggage and passengers struggling to catch tight connection flights.
Exoticaa.com’s data analysis shows that Gatwick airport’s stress score of 72 outranked Exeter in second place by 22%, with the latter hitting 59 on the stress score index. Manchester was ranked third highest with 52 points.
East Midlands airport ranked lowest with a stress score of 19 and 73% lower than Gatwick. Liverpool airport scored 22 points, followed by Belfast and Cardiff which both scored 29.
The tour operator’s spokesperson said that travellers should be aware of support available in the case of flight disruption.
They said: “The best thing passengers can do is build in more breathing room where possible.
“A delay at the start of a trip is frustrating, but being prepared can make it much easier to manage.”
Holidaymakers are advised to keep necessary items like documents, travel insurance details, medication and a change of clothes in their hand luggage in case their flights are disrupted.
The spokesperson said that choosing earlier flights, checking their airline app, and avoiding tight connections during peak travel times can help passengers prepare for unexpected changes.
Main image: Gatwick North Terminal Check-in & bag drop. Credit: Adobe Stock.
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