Tuesday, February 17, 2026

UK’s worst airport revealed – and more than a million passengers travel through it every month

British travellers have once again been asked to rate their experiences at airports across the country, and for the fourth year in a row, the results are in. Unfortunately, it’s not good news for the airport in last place.

The survey, conducted by the consumer group Which?, asked over 6,000 travellers to rate their experiences at 31 airports in the UK, based on factors such as check-in, security, shops and restaurants, and overall satisfaction. And while some airports have made improvements and climbed up the rankings, one airport has remained at the bottom of the list for the fourth consecutive year.

Gatwick Airport, located just south of London, has once again been rated as the worst airport in the country. This is despite the fact that the airport has undergone major renovations and expansions in recent years. So why is it still receiving such low ratings from travellers?

According to the survey, passengers cited long queues, chaotic check-in and security processes, and poor customer service as the main reasons for their dissatisfaction. Some travellers even reported missing flights due to the lengthy wait times and disorganized procedures at the airport. One passenger described their experience as “a nightmare from start to finish”, while another said they were “disgusted” with the overall service.

But it’s not all bad news for Gatwick. The airport did see a slight increase in its overall rating from last year, and it was not the only airport to receive negative feedback. Other airports such as Manchester and Stansted also received poor ratings from travellers, with complaints about long queues and lack of amenities.

On the other end of the spectrum, Heathrow Airport claimed the top spot for the third year in a row, with high ratings for its facilities, shops and restaurants, and overall satisfaction. This is a testament to the airport’s continuous efforts to improve and enhance the passenger experience.

In response to the survey, a spokesperson for Gatwick Airport stated that they are “disappointed” with their ranking and are working to address the issues raised by passengers. They also highlighted the fact that the airport has seen a record number of passengers over the past year and is constantly working to improve their facilities and services.

While it may be disheartening for Gatwick to be at the bottom of the list once again, it is important to note that the survey is based on the experiences of a relatively small number of travellers. It is also worth considering that Gatwick is a major hub for low-cost airlines, which may contribute to the long queues and chaotic atmosphere reported by some passengers.

But regardless of the reasons behind the negative ratings, it is clear that there is room for improvement at Gatwick Airport. It is crucial for the airport to listen to the feedback of its customers and take steps to address their concerns. After all, the satisfaction of passengers should always be a top priority for any airport.

In conclusion, while it may not be the best news for Gatwick, the results of the survey should serve as a wake-up call for the airport to step up its game and provide a better experience for its passengers. Let’s hope that next year’s rankings will see Gatwick climbing up the list and leaving its spot as the worst airport behind.

most popular