TRAVELLING during the festive season can be a stressful experience for people visiting family or friends for the holidays.
And experiencing a delayed flight as Christmas approaches is a nightmare many of us know too well.
This week the UK’s worst airport for travel during the festive period has been revealed.
Two Scottish flight hubs have been listed in the top 10, with one named as the second worst for disruption.
Edinburgh Airport has been ranked ninth worst, with average delay times of 21 minutes, according to Good Travel Management.
Scotland’s busiest airport had 10.2 per cent of its takeoffs delayed by more than an hour over Christmas.
And 2.7 per cent of its festive flights were cancelled.
Coming in at second worst is Aberdeen Airport, with average delays of 30 minutes during the festive period.
At the northeast hub, 13.4 per cent of flights were delayed by more than an hour over Christmas.
And 5.6 per cent of the airport’s festive scheduled departures were cancelled.
Topping the list is Teesside International Airport in Darlington, Country Durham.
Average delays of 37 minutes were recorded at the airport and 24.4 per cent of departures were delayed by more than an hour.
And 6.8 per cent of flights were cancelled.
A spokesperson for Aberdeen International Airport said: “Airlines, as the operators of services make the decision to delay or cancel a flight.
“Our airport has a strong track record in dealing with winter weather through our fantastic snow teams who work tirelessly to keep the airport open and operational.
“This festive period will see more than 50,000 passengers and we look forward to welcoming them throughout their journey.”
A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: “It wouldn’t be Christmas without a travel management company trying to get some free festive coverage by putting out figures that do nothing to help passengers.
“As ever, no context figures miss the real reasons for delays and rather than try to worry people into using their services, we’d rather give helpful advice to our passengers and let them prepare calmly and properly.”
Laura Busby, commercial director at Good Travel Management, said: “Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for travel, regardless of whether you’re flying for business or pleasure. While delays are frustrating, understanding which airports are most affected can help alleviate some stress.
“As these statistics show, delays are a reality of December travel, but knowing which airports are most likely to experience problems can help both business travellers and holidaymakers plan ahead, choose more reliable options, and reduce stress during the festive period. For those looking to avoid lengthy waits, Cardiff and Southend are standout options for smoother journeys if available.”