News in Brief: April 15-22, 2025

Gatwick Named Worst UK Airport for Delays (Again)

Gatwick Airport was the worst in the UK for flight delays in 2024, recording an average departure delay of 23.6 minutes. While this represents a slight improvement on 2023 figures, ongoing air traffic control (ATC) issues both across Europe and at Gatwick continue to cause significant disruption.

Following Gatwick, the highest average delays occurred at Stansted and Manchester, whereas Belfast City Airport stood out as the most punctual, with average delays of under 12 minutes. As ATC disruptions are classified as “extraordinary circumstances,” affected passengers are not entitled to compensation.

Below are the 10 worst UK airports for delays:

• Gatwick – 23.6 minutes
• Stansted – 20.3 minutes
• Manchester – 20.3 minutes
• Southend – 20.0 minutes
• Birmingham – 19.9 minutes
• Bournemouth – 18.9 minutes
• Bristol – 18.8 minutes
• Cardiff – 18.6 minutes
• Luton – 18.6 minutes
• Heathrow – 18.0 minutes

For more on airport delays, see our detailed overview.

Leicester Square Busking Ban

Around 30 buskers demonstrated in Leicester Square on 17th April after busking pitches were shut down following a successful legal challenge by Global Radio over noise nuisance concerns. The ban now extends to all forms of street performance, including silent or non-amplified acts, prompting criticism from performers and arts unions.

Artists and unions are calling on Westminster City Council to reconsider and collaborate on guidelines that would allow low-impact performances to continue, highlighting the cultural and economic value of busking in central London. Read more on the Leicester Square busking ban.

Derbyshire Controlled Explosion

Ammunition discovered in Sandiacre led to the evacuation of nearby homes and a controlled explosion at West Park in Long Eaton. The British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit safely detonated what eyewitnesses believe may have been a World War II shell.

Although police have not confirmed the exact nature of the device or the number of homes affected, they assured residents there is no ongoing threat to public safety. For further details on this controlled explosion, visit our full report.

Pound Sterling and the Euro Discussed

The Pound Sterling (GBP) is trading around 1.1665 against the Euro (EUR), supported by calmer market conditions and gains in the FTSE 100. Outlooks remain divided:

• Some analysts forecast a weaker pound, expecting the GBP/EUR rate to fall to 1.15 within 12 months, citing UK fiscal concerns.
• Others project a rise to 1.22 by late 2025, supported by a more stable economic outlook.

Overall, moderate volatility is anticipated, with UK gilt yields—particularly the 10-year—being a key influence on currency movements.

Average Salary Insights

In the UK, average salaries generally increase with age, peaking in workers’ 40s. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) 2024 data:

• Overall median salary: £31,602
• Full-time median salary: £37,430
• Ages 16–17: £3,829
• Ages 20s: £26,096
• Ages 30s: £33,924
• Ages 40s: £37,128
• Ages 50s: £35,724
• Over 60s: £28,628

The median is the middle value in an ordered data set and is particularly useful when outliers may skew the average. Learn more about average salary trends in our comprehensive analysis.