Leeds Bradford named among UK’s worst airports for cancelled flights - but there's a silver lining
Leeds Bradford Airport remains one of the most challenging hubs in the UK for flight cancellations, though local holidaymakers can finally see light at the end of the runway.
New analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data has revealed that while the Yeadon-based hub recorded one of the highest cancellation rates in the country throughout 2025, the overall trend is moving in a positive direction for Yorkshire travellers.
Sitting at 681 feet (208 meters) above sea level, LBA holds the title of the highest airport in England, with its unique position on the edge of the Pennines making it a magnet for the big three of aviation disruption: snow, high winds, and the thick fog that frequently rolls across the runway while the rest of Leeds remains clear.
Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, notes that these natural hurdles are often to blame for the airport's placement on ‘worst’ lists: "Leeds Bradford’s geography simply makes it more prone to snow, high winds, and storms.
"This results in the airport often having a higher cancellation rate compared to air hubs in other parts of Britain."
Despite its reputation, the latest data shows that LBA is becoming significantly more reliable: 2025’s cancellation rate between January and November was 1.39%, a decrease compared to 2024’s figures across the same time period of 1.80%.
This improvement aligns with a national trend, where the average cancellation rate across the UK’s 20 busiest airports fell from 1.45% to 1.09%.
While LBA still sits above the national average, the gap is closing.
In fact, separate data from the first half of 2025 showed that LBA actually outperformed the national average for punctuality, with 79% of flights departing on time.
For those planning their 2026 getaways, the advice is to stay reassured rather than deterred.
Cancellations are falling at all major UK hubs, and experts believe this year will see even fewer disruptions.
However, if you are caught in a last-minute grounding, Radchenko reminds passengers of their rights: "Under the UK’s 261 regulation, if your flight is cancelled with less than two weeks' notice, you may be eligible for compensation ranging from £220 to £520 per passenger."
What is the worst airport in the UK for flight cancellations?
According to the latest data, Southampton Airport has been named the UK’s cancellation capital for the second year running.
Analysis of CAA figures from January to November 2025 revealed that just under 3% (specifically 2.98%) of all scheduled flights at the Hampshire hub were scrapped.
While this is a slight improvement from its 3.3% rate in 2024, it remains nearly triple the national average of 1.09%.
At the other end of the scale, Bournemouth Airport was crowned the most reliable in the country, with a microscopic cancellation rate of just 0.17%.
For travellers who prioritise certainty, the data suggests that smaller, south-coast hubs like Bournemouth or London's secondary airports like Luton (0.34%) and Stansted (0.41%) are currently your safest bets for a smooth take-off.
The 10 worst UK airports for cancelled flights (2025)
Percentage of scheduled flights cancelled between January and November 2025.
- Southampton (2.98%)
- Belfast City (2.16%)
- Aberdeen (1.83%)
- Glasgow (1.63%)
- London City (1.48%)
- Leeds Bradford (1.39%)
- Heathrow (1.36%)
- Edinburgh (1.08%)
- Manchester (1.01%)
- Birmingham (1.00%)
Have you experienced a change in cancellations at Leeds Bradford Airport on your most recent flights compared to previous years, or have you not noticed anything? Let us know by leaving a comment on the Yorkshire Evening Post Facebook page or by dropping the writer of this article an email.