UK's best airport is a 'brilliant' one and it's certainly not Heathrow or Gatwick

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has soared above its UK counterparts, despite being smaller than southern giants like Heathrow or Gatwick.

The local airport secured an impressive 35th place out of 250 in the 2025 AirHelp Score, which evaluates airports worldwide, making it the highest-ranking UK airport.

London City followed as the next best UK performer, landing at 56th. However, big hitters such as Gatwick and Heathrow didn't fare as well.

In fact, Gatwick was dubbed the worst-performing UK airport, ranking a dismal 235th globally.

Heathrow, the busiest airport in the UK, also failed to impress, managing only 178th place, reports the Liverpool Echo.

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Both major London hubs have had a challenging year, grappling with staffing shortages, strikes, delays, and even a power substation fire at Heathrow causing significant disruption.

The annual AirHelp report, running since 2015, assesses airports based on punctuality, passenger service quality (including staff and comfort), and the variety of food and shops.

This year's report evaluated airports in 68 countries, providing valuable insights just as the bustling summer holiday season kicks off.

Other UK airports also struggled. Leeds Bradford landed mid-table at 132nd, while Manchester and Birmingham languished near the bottom at 220th and 214th respectively - largely due to complaints about delays and subpar customer service.

The latest findings reveal a concerning trend for some of the UK's major airports, yet also shine a light on the dependability of smaller hubs like Liverpool as holidaymakers prepare for their summer getaways.

Globally, Cape Town International Airport in South Africa has clinched the top spot in this year's airport rankings, with Doha Hamad and Riyadh King Khaled not far behind.

Conversely, Tunis Carthage Airport in Tunisia finds itself at the bottom of the list, deemed the worst globally.

AirHelp CEO Tomasz Pawliszyn commented on the significance of these rankings for passengers. "As millions of people get ready to fly off on holiday, our data shows exactly where you're most likely to have a smooth trip - and where you might want to pack a bit more patience," he remarked.

He praised the performance of Liverpool and London City airports but noted that there is room for improvement at other large UK airports.

Pawliszyn also offered advice to those travelling during the summer season: "For anyone flying this summer, it's worth knowing your rights if your flight is delayed or cancelled. Being prepared can make all the difference to your trip."