LEEDS Bradford has shown the biggest improvement out of the country's main airports for flights taking off on time, according to new research.

Data published by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) shows around 247 million people passed through 24 of the country's main airports in the 12 months to June, making it the busiest period since records began.

This is believed to have contributed to a reduction in overall punctuality, with almost a quarter (23 per cent) of flights at least 15 minutes late between April and June. In the same period last year, 21 per cent of flights were delayed.

London Gatwick experienced the biggest decline in on-time flights, down from 74 per cent to 67 per cent, but Leeds Bradford (pictured) had the biggest improvement, up from 81 per cent to 86 per cent.

The CAA's policy director, Tim Johnson, said: "UK airports have now seen the strongest first two quarters for passenger numbers since records began, which has also led to the highest ever passenger figures for a 12-month period.

"However, in line with this significant passenger growth, and the increase in commercial flights, there has also been a slight reduction in punctuality across several airports."