The flights most likely to be delayed or cancelled in and out of Brisbane Airport

Exclusive new data reveals the most delayed flights in and out of Brisbane and the airlines most likely to cancel. SEE THE FULL LIST

Alicia Gilmore, Aqib Hossain, Ben Salter, Wim Eshuys and Lora Meni flying out of the Brisbane Airport. Picture: John Gass

One in every four flights in and out of Brisbane have been delayed this year, while the popular Sydney and Melbourne routes were among the most cancelled.

New data released by the Department of Transport shows around 25 per cent of domestic flights departing Brisbane and 26 per cent arriving were delayed.

Jetstar had the highest rates of delayed departures out of Brisbane at 28.95 per cent, followed closely by Virgin (28.13 per cent) and QantasLink (27.05 per cent).

The airline also had the most delayed arrivals into Brisbane, at 31.05 per cent, but ranked relatively low for cancellations.

A Jetstar spokesman said as a low-cost carrier, reliability was important.

“Along with huge growth in our flights from Brisbane this year, we’ve invested heavily in our reliability and are committed to further strengthening our Brisbane operations so customers can rely on us every time they fly,” he said.

Embattled airline Rex, which went into voluntary administration in July, was the worst performing for cancellations, with 4 per cent of its flights never taking off.

One in four flights in and out of Brisbane are delayed. Picture: John Gass

Flights to Sydney (3.32 per cent) and Melbourne (3.01 per cent) were ranked second and third for most cancelled, while Sydney to Brisbane was second for most cancellations at 3.37 per cent.

The Emerald route was the most unreliable, with 3.56 per cent of flights to, and 4.19 per cent returning, cancelled.

Qantas was the most reliable major airline, with around a quarter of all its flights to and from Brisbane delayed.

A spokesman said there are a number of factors outside of the airline’s control that caused delays, such as poor weather and air traffic control directions.

“We are always looking to improve on-time departures and have recently rolled out a new group boarding process which is helping more flights away on time,” he said.

Aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas said airline reliability was at an “unacceptable” standard, warning it could take a least another year for travellers to see improvement.

“Qantas and Virgin are really at capacity because, despite the high cost of fares, coming out of Covid people are wanting to travel more than ever,” he said.

An aviation expert warns it may take up to a year before airline reliability improved. Picture: John Gass

Mr Thomas said South East Queensland’s unpredictable climate also played a part, with 3.7 per cent of ground delays at Brisbane Airport in October due to the weather.

Aqib Hossain flew into Brisbane with a group of friends from Sydney on Saturday to embark on a cruise.

He said fight delays has become to commonplace that to

avoid complications they had decided to arrive in Brisbane a day early to ensure they didn’t miss their cruise departure.

“We planned ahead just in case,” Mr Hossain said.

“Almost 90 per cent of the time my flights are delayed.”

A Brisbane Airport spokesman said airports, airlines, Airservices Australia and all supporting organisations had a role to play in on-time performance.