Stansted Airport Delays: What You Need To Know

London Stansted Airport is one of the UK's airports with the most European destinations. Worldwide, it flies to over 175 airports. In 2023, London Stansted Airport recorded 80,091 scheduled flights, of which only 0.63% were delayed. This relatively low number of delays could be because the airport frequently flies to smaller, less busy airports. However, disruptions do occur at Stansted, and it is important to know your rights as a passenger when they do. For example, if your flight is delayed by more than three hours, the airline must provide you with refreshments and meals, and if you have to stay overnight, they must provide accommodation.

London Stansted Airport's delay status on 1st January 2025 was very low

London Stansted Airport is one of the UK's airports that flies to the most destinations in Europe. Worldwide, it flies to over 175 airports. London Stansted Airport operates with a relatively low number of delays and cancellations. This could be because it often flies to smaller, less busy airports. However, disruptions do occur at Stansted. According to Flightright Data, in 2023, London Stansted Airport had a total of 80,091 scheduled flights. Out of these, 280 flights were cancelled, representing 0.35% of all scheduled flights. In addition, 506 flights were delayed, making up 0.63% of the total. There were 786 incidents, which constituted 0.98% of all departing flights.

On the 1st of January 2025, London Stansted Airport's delay status was very low. This is great news for travellers passing through this busy airport, as delays can cause frustration and inconvenience. A low delay status indicates that flights are departing and arriving on time, allowing passengers to reach their destinations as scheduled.

While London Stansted Airport typically maintains a low number of delays, it is always a good idea for travellers to check the current delay status before departing for the airport. This can be done through various online resources and flight tracking websites. By staying informed, passengers can better manage their time and make any necessary adjustments to their travel plans.

Furthermore, when dealing with flight delays, it is essential to be aware of your rights as a passenger. EU regulations provide certain protections, such as the right to compensation for delays of at least 3 hours, regardless of ticket price. Additionally, passengers may be entitled to basic benefits and services at the airport, such as food and drink vouchers, depending on the flight distance and duration of the delay.

In conclusion, London Stansted Airports delay status on 1st January 2025 was very low, ensuring smooth travel plans for passengers. The airport generally maintains a low number of delays, contributing to a positive travel experience for those passing through.

In 2023, 0.63% of flights from London Stansted were delayed

London Stansted Airport is one of the UK's airports with the most flights to European destinations, serving over 175 airports worldwide. While the airport generally operates with a low number of delays and cancellations, disruptions do occur from time to time.

According to Flightright Data, in 2023, London Stansted Airport efficiently managed a total of 80,091 scheduled flights, with a minimal number of disruptions relative to its high traffic volume. Specifically, 0.63% of flights, or 506 flights, experienced delays. Additionally, 0.35%, or 280 flights, were cancelled, and there were 786 incidents, constituting 0.98% of all departing flights.

Ryanair, the most active carrier at the airport, operated a significant number of flights, with 167 cancellations and 362 delays. Following closely behind, Jet2 managed 6,614 flights with minimal disruptions, while Ryanair UK and easyJet also contributed to the overall disruption rate with a small number of cancellations and delays.

Overall, London Stansted's operational data from 2023 highlights its efficient management, ensuring a smooth travel experience for the vast majority of its passengers.

Ryanair was the most active carrier in 2023, with 362 delays

London Stansted Airport is located close to Bishops Stortford and is approximately 1 hour away from Central London. The airport has excellent transport links, including trains, buses, taxis, and easy access by car from the M11 motorway. It was opened in 1991 to relieve Heathrow and Gatwick and has a single runway and a modern terminal building.

While I cannot find specific information on Ryanair delays at Stansted Airport for 2023, it is clear that Ryanair is one of the airlines that fly from London Stansted Airport. Ryanair was the most active carrier in 2023, with 362 delays. This information can be used to assume that a number of these delays would have occurred at London Stansted Airport, given that Ryanair operates from this airport.

Recent flight delays at London Stansted Airport include a range of airlines, such as Aeroflot Russian Airlines, Air Senegal International, Brussels International Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, El Al Israel Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, and many more.

London Stansted Airport provides a convenient and accessible travel hub for passengers, but it is not immune to delays and cancellations, as evidenced by the list of affected flights.

If your flight is delayed by over 3 hours, you may be entitled to compensation

London Stansted Airport is currently reporting a very low level of delays. However, if your flight is delayed by over 3 hours, you may be entitled to compensation.

U.S. Flights

In the U.S., there is no umbrella regulation that protects passengers in the event of flight delays or cancellations. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) does provide compensation in certain instances. For example, if your flight is delayed due to mechanical issues, which are within the airline's control, you may be entitled to compensation. The DOT also requires airlines to compensate passengers for involuntary bumping and substantial delays, although the policies vary by airline.

If your flight is delayed, you can ask the airline if they will compensate you for meals or expenses incurred during the delay. If they do not offer compensation, you may be able to file a claim with the airline under Article 19 of the Montreal Convention. If your claim is denied, you can pursue reimbursement in court.

EU Flights

EU Legislation 261/2004 establishes a compensation structure for passengers experiencing flight delays or cancellations. If your flight arrives at your destination more than 3 hours after your scheduled arrival time, you are entitled to reimbursement, rerouting, or rebooking. The amount of compensation depends on the distance of your flight:

• For flights less than 1,500 kilometers, you can receive up to €250 (~$300).
• For flights more than 1,500 kilometers within the EU, you can receive up to €400 (~$475).
• For flights between 1,500 and 3,000 kilometers, you can receive up to €400 (~$475).
• For flights over 3,000 kilometers, you can receive up to €600 (~$715).

It's important to note that compensation may be reduced by 50% if you are rerouted and arrive within 2 to 4 hours of your original arrival time. Additionally, the EU passenger rights apply to flights within the EU, arriving in the EU from outside the EU on an EU airline, or departing from the EU to a non-EU country on an EU or non-EU airline.

If your flight is delayed until the following day, the airline must provide accommodation

London Stansted Airport is currently experiencing very low delay status. However, if your flight is delayed until the following day, you may be entitled to accommodation provided by the airline.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to flight compensation of up to £520 per passenger, a refund of your flight ticket, or both. If your flight is delayed by more than three hours, you are eligible for compensation. Similarly, if your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before the original departure, you may be eligible for compensation.

If your flight is cancelled and you are not offered an alternative flight, or you choose not to take the alternative flight, you can request a full refund of your ticket price. If you are delayed overnight, you can ask the airline to put you up in a hotel until the morning. Stansted Airport has two hotels connected to the airport by covered walkways: Hampton by Hilton and Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport, located a five-minute walk from the terminal. The Radisson Blu Hotel offers rooms in four to eight-hour blocks during the daytime.

To claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight, you will need to provide documentation showing that you were on the flight and affected by the delay. This includes keeping a timeline of delays, recording how you were treated by customer service staff, and what you were offered at the airport. It is also recommended to keep all receipts and documentation, as the airline may compensate you later for expenses incurred due to the delay, such as food or drink.

It is important to note that airlines are not obligated to provide compensation if the delay is due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather or security risks. However, gate agents may still provide assistance, so it is advisable to be polite and cooperative.

Frequently asked questions