After taking 5 flights in India, all on time, ex-Europe minister says 'nothing works in Britain anymore'

Philosopher and Portuguese author Bruno Macaes recently shared his frustration after experiencing a long delay on a British Airways flight at Gatwick Airport. Having just completed five domestic flights across India—all of which were perfectly on time—he was taken aback by the inefficiencies he encountered upon returning to the UK. His flight from Gatwick was delayed by a staggering seven hours, and despite the inconvenience, passengers were only offered a £5 lunch voucher, which he chose to return.

Reflecting on the experience, Maçães took to social media to express his surprise at the contrast between the two countries. He noted how, in Britain, basic systems seemed to falter—from delayed trains and understaffed pharmacies to unresolved flight issues. Interestingly, he remarked that many Britons blame immigration for the state of affairs. However, in his view, it’s immigration that keeps things functioning at all.

He praised the Indian approach to problem-solving, pointing out that while issues may arise there too, they are met with a willingness and capability to resolve them. In his words, “There is always a way” in India. The author ended his post with a jab at Britain’s declining services.

The shock of coming from India to Britain is considerable. Nothing really works anymore in Britain. The trains are late, the pharmacies don’t have stocks, I am now waiting for a BA flight at Gatwick that is 7 hours late (after 5 flights in India all punctual to the minute)

— Bruno Maçães (@MacaesBruno) April 5, 2025

Pharmacy issues in UK
According to the BBC, major UK pharmacy chains like LloydsPharmacy and Boots have closed hundreds of branches since 2023, with Lloyds even filing for liquidation and selling its 1,054 outlets. Pharmacies are struggling due to NHS funding cuts, staff shortages, and medicine supply issues. Since 90% of their revenue comes from the NHS—and payment rates haven’t changed in a decade—many face difficulty stocking essential medicines as prices rise.

Flight issues in UK
According to The Telegraph, British travellers could face the worst summer of flight delays in decades due to a “perfect storm” of air traffic control issues. A new Eurocontrol report reveals that in 2024, one in three European flights were delayed, with only 58% departing on time during summer. Major causes include staff shortages, outdated air traffic systems, and rerouting due to the war in Ukraine. Lisbon saw the worst delays among 30 top airports, followed by Amsterdam, Gatwick, and Heathrow.

Heathrow and Gatwick also had the longest landing queues. The tabloid further quoted Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary’s warning about delays this summer which he thinks will be worse than last year. He called Europe's air traffic control system “broken.” The Telegraph also reported that the punctuality will worsen unless structural issues are fixed. Weather adds to the problem, with Gatwick and Heathrow frequently affected by thunderstorms and fog.

About Bruno Marcaes
Bruno Maçães is an author and writer known for his influential books, including Dawn of Eurasia, Belt and Road, History Has Begun, Geopolitics for the End Time, and his latest work, World Builders. He previously served as the Secretary of State for European Affairs in Portugal. Maçães is also a member of the European Council on Foreign Relations and sits on the Advisory Council for the Brussels Institute of Geopolitics.