British airports worst for delays

Airports including Heathrow and Gatwick suffered the worst delays in Europe last year and the problem is getting worse, according to new reports.

Figures from the Association of European Airlines show that more than one in four flights from Heathrow to European destinations was late. Twenty-seven per cent of European flights from Gatwick were also delayed - both significantly above the European average.

A separate report by Eurocontrol, which supervises continental flights, confirms Britain has the worst record in Europe. Italy was the only other country to suffer an increase.

The two worst routes for delays - Heathrow to Oslo and Madrid - are both important business destinations.