Roberta Aguirre
Airport delays are a common occurrence and can be caused by a multitude of factors, ranging from airline issues to air traffic control and weather conditions. In 2022, nearly half of all flight delays were deemed to be within the airline's control, according to Transport Canada. This has led to a push for greater passenger rights and protections, with the Biden administration proposing new rules in May 2023 to require airlines to compensate passengers for delays or cancellations caused by factors under their control. Similar protections are already in place in the European Union, where passengers are entitled to cash compensation for flight delays and cancellations. While these changes are a step towards improving the situation, it's important to note that delays will still occur due to the complex nature of air travel and the various factors involved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Delays caused by | Weather conditions, volume, ground delays |
| Delays in airports across the U.S. | 15 minutes or less |
| Delays in airports in the East Coast | Up to 33% of flights |
| Delays in airports in the West Coast | Up to 15% of flights |
What You'll Learn
Delays caused by weather conditions
Weather conditions can cause significant delays at airports, leading to frustration and disruptions for travellers. According to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), weather events are responsible for the majority of air traffic delays exceeding 15 minutes. From June 2017 to May 2023, weather conditions accounted for 74.26% of system-impacting delays, showcasing the profound impact of weather on aviation operations.
Various weather conditions can cause delays, ranging from thunderstorms and hail to high winds and low visibility. These conditions can create unsafe conditions for aircraft takeoff and landing, leading to cancellations or rerouting. Thunderstorms, for instance, can cause severe turbulence and hail can damage aircraft. As a result, flights may be delayed while waiting for the storms to pass or rerouted to avoid the hazardous weather.
Winter storms can also cause significant disruptions. Snow and ice accumulation on runways can make it unsafe for planes to operate, leading to cancellations or delays. Additionally, aircraft in subzero conditions require de-icing before departure, which can result in significant delays as it changes the physics of the plane. Widespread turbulence is more common during winter due to the active jet stream, further emphasizing the impact of weather conditions on flight operations.
The impact of weather delays can vary depending on the location and severity of the conditions. For example, a storm in a crowded airspace can create a ripple effect of delays and cancellations throughout the region. In such cases, airports may even shut down entirely, leading to widespread travel disruptions. Additionally, the decision-making process for flight delays or cancellations due to weather involves collaboration between the Aviation Weather Center (AWC), the FAA, and individual airlines, with the final call made by the airport.
To mitigate weather delays, strategic traffic flow management is crucial. This involves using available airspace resources to handle traffic demand and rerouting flights to avoid hazardous weather conditions. While these measures help minimize delays, weather remains a significant challenge for the aviation industry, causing frustration for travellers and requiring constant monitoring and adaptation.
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FlightAware's list of delayed flights
Unfortunately, I cannot access the FlightAware website to generate a list of delayed flights. However, I can provide some general information on flight delays if that would be useful.
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Airports with the most delays
Delays at airports are a common occurrence and can be caused by various factors such as weather conditions, staffing issues, airport construction, and high passenger volume. While delays can happen at any airport, some airports are more prone to delays than others. Here is a list of airports with some of the most delays:
Provo Airport (PVU), Utah:
Provo Airport in Utah tops the list with an average delay time of 1 hour, 42 minutes, and 31 seconds. Nearly 40% of the flights at this small airport were delayed during the 13-month study period.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB):
Orlando Sanford International Airport ranks second, with an average delay time of over an hour and a half. Approximately 28% of its flights during the study period were delayed by 15 minutes or more.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW):
This airport, a major hub for American Airlines, comes in third with an average wait time of over 1 hour and 29 minutes. Over 21% of its flights experienced delays during the 13-month period.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York:
JFK Airport in New York City is the busiest airport in the city, serving over 55 million passengers annually. It has a high CDF score of almost 62%, likely due to factors such as isolated terminals, outdated infrastructure, and staffing issues.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW):
Chicago Midway is a smaller alternative to O'Hare International Airport but still accommodates nearly 20 million passengers annually. It has a CDF score of 60.18%, with delays attributed to its small size, long security lines, parking difficulties, and windy weather conditions.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey:
Newark Liberty is the biggest airport in New Jersey, serving over 40 million passengers annually. It has a CDF score of 59.6%, with delays often caused by airport construction and staffing shortages.
These airports consistently rank high on lists of delayed airports, and travellers should be prepared for potential delays when using these airports. It is recommended to check the latest delay information and allow for enough time when travelling through these airports. Additionally, considering alternative airports or booking with reliable airlines can help minimise the impact of potential delays.
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Airports with the fewest delays
Delays at airports are a common occurrence and can be caused by various factors such as weather conditions, staffing issues, airport construction, and high passenger volume. While some airports are more prone to delays than others, it is challenging to predict delays with complete accuracy due to the dynamic nature of air travel.
When it comes to the airports with the fewest delays, here are some insights based on various reports and rankings:
Denver International Airport (DEN):
Although Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, it has been recognized as having the lowest percentage of chronically delayed flights among the worst offenders in the United States. With a Chronically Delayed Flight (CDF) score of 56.95%, it performs slightly better than some of its counterparts. However, it is important to note that its large size can still contribute to delays, as passengers may struggle to navigate the vast space and arrive at their gates on time. Additionally, weather conditions such as low-lying clouds and thick fog can also lead to cancellations or serious delays.
Butte Airport:
According to the Air Travel Consumer Report by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Butte Airport stood out with an impressive on-time performance. In December 2022, 95% of its flights departed on schedule, demonstrating a strong track record of punctuality.
Stockton, California:
In contrast to airports with frequent delays, Stockton, California, was noted for its relatively lower rate of on-time departures. During the same month of December 2022, only 43% of its flights departed on time, indicating room for improvement in punctuality.
Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport:
When considering alternatives to Denver International Airport, travelers may opt for Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, which has been mentioned for having fewer disruptions compared to its larger counterpart.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport:
In the case of Chicago, there is a contrasting scenario where the larger O'Hare International Airport might be a preferable option over the smaller Midway International Airport. Despite its bigger size, O'Hare may offer better on-time performance due to its increased resources and capacity.
While these airports have been recognized for their relatively fewer delays, it is important to remember that numerous factors can contribute to delays on any given day. Weather conditions, technical issues, and unexpected events can impact even the most punctual airports. Therefore, staying informed about the latest travel advisories and staying flexible during travel are always recommended.
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Solutions to reduce delays
Delays at airports are a common occurrence, often caused by adverse weather conditions or other factors such as staff shortages and high flight booking numbers. While some delays may be unavoidable, there are several solutions that can help reduce their frequency and impact.
Firstly, hiring more air traffic controllers can help alleviate delays. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already implemented this strategy, with plans to add almost 5,000 new controllers in the coming years. This increase in personnel will help to efficiently manage air traffic and reduce delays caused by staffing shortages.
Secondly, predictive analytics can be employed to anticipate and mitigate potential disruptions. American Airlines has initiated a program to analyze air traffic patterns and predict potential issues, allowing them to proactively reduce cancellations and delays. By utilizing data-driven insights, airlines can optimize their operations and make more informed decisions.
Thirdly, adjusting flight altitudes can be considered as a solution. The FAA is contemplating allowing airlines to fly at lower altitudes to reduce the impact of bad weather on flights. While this approach may increase fuel consumption and ticket prices, it could be an effective strategy to minimize weather-related delays.
Additionally, airports can improve their delay management systems by providing real-time updates and accurate delay information to passengers. Mobile applications and websites that offer delay details, airport information, and flight tracking services can help travelers stay informed and make necessary arrangements.
Furthermore, efficient ground handling and taxi operations are crucial in reducing delays. Airports can invest in advanced technology and optimize their processes to streamline aircraft taxiing, baggage handling, and passenger boarding and disembarkation. This will help minimize delays, especially during peak travel times.
By implementing these strategies and continuing to prioritize efficient and safe travel, airports, airlines, and aviation authorities can collectively work towards reducing delays and enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
Very common. In 2022, there were nearly 199,000 flight delays in Canada, with a similar story in the US. In early 2023, US airline passengers faced the highest rate of flight delays since 2014.
Delays and cancellations can be caused by airline issues, such as staffing shortages, mechanical issues, and maintenance. They can also be caused by air traffic control issues, heavy traffic volume, and weather.
To avoid flight delays and cancellations, consider booking the earliest flight of the day, as later flights may be impacted by earlier delays. Book nonstop flights to avoid missing connections, and choose an airline with multiple flights per day, so that you can be rebooked more easily in the event of a cancellation.
