The temporary closure of Heathrow Airport on 21 March 2025, due to an unexpected power outage, resulted in the UK's largest flight disruption of the year, according to AirHelp's latest report. The shutdown of the UK's busiest airport led to the cancellation of 98% of flights and disrupted 99% of passengers, causing widespread chaos across both domestic and international flight networks.
AirHelp's 2025 UK Flight Disruption Report highlights the scale of the disruption, noting that nearly one million flights operated in the UK last year, with 36 million passengers—26% of all travellers—experiencing delays or cancellations. Despite the significant impact, many affected passengers were unaware of their entitlement to compensation under UK and EU passenger rights laws.
The report also identifies Manchester Airport as the most delayed UK airport in 2025, with 32% of passengers experiencing disruptions. In contrast, Liverpool John Lennon Airport was the most punctual, with 83% of flights departing on time.
AirHelp CEO Tomasz Pawliszyn commented, “2025 was a challenging year for UK air travel, with millions of passengers experiencing delays or cancellations. The Heathrow closure in March was an extreme example, but our research shows disruption was widespread, from major airports to smaller regional hubs.”
The findings underscore the importance of passengers knowing their rights and seeking compensation when eligible. For more information on passenger rights and compensation eligibility, travellers can visit AirHelp's website or download their app.
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