Bristol Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport have been ranked as the worst airports in the UK in a study featuring 16 of the busiest airports in the UK.
The study, carried out by The Telegraph, saw the North Somerset-based hub placed in 15th – joint last with Leeds Bradford.
An unwelcome award
The study involved looking into various aspects and facilities of the 16 airports under scrutiny. From the design of the terminals to the likelihood of queues and delays, the number of destinations served, and even the wifi connection, everything was up for analysis.
The primary reason for the low-rank Bristol received is due to its very expensive drop-off charge of £7. Leeds Bradford was ranked poorly mainly because of the number of cancelled flights in comparison to the number of flights that actually go ahead. The design of the terminals contributed to the West Yorkshire hub’s low score.
Leeds Bradford issued a statement in response to The Telegraph’s study and its low score:
“We are disappointed by this ranking. As an ambitious airport, we’re striving to do better […] Looking to the future, we’re moving ahead with plans to dramatically improve our passengers’ experience through upgrades to our terminal, and we continuously work with airlines and ground handling agents to minimise delays and cancellations to flights.”
Leeds Bradford has struggled, just like other airports across the UK, with huge queues and long wait times as a consequence of increased demand during the Easter holidays and the incoming summer season. The airport apologised for the queues and claimed that they were in the process of “ongoing recruitment and training activities.”
Bristol Airport has also suffered frustrating delays and queues. Airport bosses had to apologise for lengthy disruptive queues at the check-in gates.
London City Airport, based in the Royal Docks in the London Borough of Newham, took the top spot. Gatwick Airport came in second for its proximity to hotels and the number of destinations the airport serves. London Heathrow and Newcastle International Airport came joint the third.
Have you travelled from or into Leeds or Bristol? Do you agree with the low rankings? Let us know in the comments.
