London City Airport is the best UK airport for flights leaving on-time and for having the shortest average delay time a report can reveal.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has released its on time performance data for all scheduled passenger flights at 10 UK airports and the Royal Docks airport has faired the best.

On time performance for the 10 airports fell last year by one per cent to 79 per cent but London City Airport is the highest performing with 88 per cent of its flights leaving on time.

On time is defined as a flight leaving early or up to 15 minutes late.

Gatwick Airport is the worst airport with 74 per cent of flights on time.

London City Airport also has the shortest average delay time of seven minutes. This compares to the UK average of 12 minutes and 15 minutes at Gatwick, the worst performing airport.

“Arriving on time matters to passengers and our work helps ensure consumers have the best data and information to make better and more informed choices,” Iain Osborne, group director for regulatory policy at the CAA said.

The report monitored 1.4m scheduled passenger flights for punctuality.

Mr Osborne believes the small dip in punctuality performance in 2014 could be linked to poor weather and overseas air traffic control strikes.

A spokesperson for London City Airport said: “The CAA data proves that flying through LCA saves you valuable time.

“The airport prides itself on offering a fast check-in of 20 minutes door to lounge, and even faster arrival of 15 minutes from tarmac to train or taxi.

“Less time at the airport means the reassurance that you’re flying from the most punctual airport in the UK means you can get on with your trip without delay.”