Airports With The Most Delays: Where Patience Is Tested

Delays at airports are a common nuisance for travellers, and some airports are more prone to delays than others. Various factors can cause delays, including weather conditions, staffing issues, airport size and location, and technical failures. When deciding on travel plans, it is essential to consider an airport's on-time performance (OTP) to avoid disruptions and their consequences.

Weather conditions

The geographical location of an airport also influences the type of weather conditions it encounters. Airports in the Northeast, such as those in New York City (JFK, LGA, and EWR), Boston (BOS), and Philadelphia (PHL), often contend with snowstorms, low clouds, fog, and wind. In contrast, airports in the southern and central regions, like Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), may face thunderstorms, hail, and occasional snow or ice.

Airports with the Most Weather Delays:

Now, let's take a closer look at the airports that experience the most weather-related delays:

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Located in the New York City metropolitan area, Newark Liberty International Airport tops the list for weather-related delays. In a 10-year study, it was found that there was an almost 2-in-3 chance that a delay at Newark was due to weather conditions. Snowstorms, low clouds, fog, wind, and occasional summer thunderstorms contribute to delays. The airport's runway orientation also makes it particularly susceptible to crosswinds, which can create challenges for pilots during landing.
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): While San Francisco may not experience extreme weather, its proximity to the Pacific Ocean leads to persistent fog and low clouds, especially during the warmer months. The airport's runway configuration further exacerbates the problem, as staggered arrivals are necessary when visibility is low. As a result, SFO often sees a significant reduction in arrival capacity during poor weather.
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): Chicago O'Hare International Airport experiences a high volume of weather delays, averaging more than 26,000 weather-related delays per year in a 10-year study. Its location in the Midwest makes it susceptible to a variety of weather conditions, including snow, low clouds, fog, wind, and thunderstorms. Chicago's windy conditions, with prevailing south or southwest winds for a large part of the year, can lead to delays even on seemingly clear days.
• New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA): LaGuardia Airport, also in the New York City area, is prone to weather-related delays, particularly due to snowstorms, low clouds, fog, wind, and thunderstorms. Its location on Flushing Bay makes it vulnerable to storm surges, as seen during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. LaGuardia experiences a high percentage of weather-related delays compared to the total number of flights.
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Boston Logan International Airport frequently faces weather-related delays due to winter weather conditions, with a 50% chance of significant snowfall each season. While the airport may not shut down during winter storms, lengthy delays can occur due to snow removal and the ripple effects of delays at other Northeast hubs. Additionally, Boston Logan is the windiest major airport in the country, with cold fronts frequently producing wind gusts exceeding 30 mph.
• Denver International Airport (DEN): Denver International Airport's primary weather challenge is snow, with Colorado Front Range snowstorms occurring from early fall to late spring. Wind is also a frequent issue, as strong crosswinds can force arriving planes to use alternate runways or even hold at their originating airports. Denver experiences late spring and summer thunderstorms, and its high elevation makes it prone to large hail.
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Also in the New York City area, JFK International Airport encounters weather-related delays due to snowstorms, low clouds, fog, wind, and thunderstorms. New York City's average snowfall and days with measurable snow can snarl air travel for extended periods. Even ordinary frontal systems, when combined with low clouds, can cause significant delays.
• George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH): Houston's weather patterns contribute to flight delays, with thunderstorms occurring year-round, even during winter when other parts of the country experience colder temperatures. Slow-moving storms can lead to delays of over an hour. Houston's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico also makes it susceptible to fog and, during certain seasons, tropical storms and hurricanes.
• Dallas

Staffing issues

For example, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which has been named the worst airport in the US for overall delays, faces challenges due to staffing shortages. The high volume of flights and passengers at JFK, coupled with difficulty finding staff, leads to delays as passengers face long wait times.

Similarly, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which is among the most improved airports for delays in 2024, still struggles with cancellations due to staffing issues. The airlines operating at Newark are experiencing a severe shortage of flight attendants and pilots, leading to cancellations and long delays while waiting for on-call staff.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) also faced challenges in 2022 due to staffing issues, in addition to increased passenger numbers.

Staffing shortages can impact not only the efficiency of operations but also the overall punctuality and reliability of an airport. These issues can cause a ripple effect, leading to frustrated passengers and disruptions to travel plans.

Airport size

Several large airports, such as San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), have been consistently mentioned as having a significant number of delays. SFO had the highest delay percentage in the first half of 2024, with 37.18% of flights delayed. DFW also made the list of top airports with the highest percentage of delays, and JFK was ranked as one of the worst airports for weather-related delays. These delays can be attributed to various factors, including weather conditions, high passenger volume, and technical issues.

On the other hand, smaller regional airports like Provo Airport (PVU) in Utah and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) have also been noted for their high average delay times. Provo Airport, despite its small size, had nearly 40% of its flights delayed, resulting in an average delay time of 1 hour, 42 minutes, and 31 seconds. Orlando Sanford International Airport had an average delay time of over an hour and a half, with approximately 28% of its flights delayed.

However, it is important to note that airport size is not the sole determinant of delays. Other factors, such as weather conditions, staffing issues, and technical problems, can also contribute to delays regardless of airport size. Additionally, the methodology used to rank airports by delay times can vary, and direct comparisons between small and major airports may not always be fair or accurate.

Time of day

The time of day plays a significant role in airport delays, with early morning flights generally being less prone to delays. According to Skycop, travellers should consider flying out earlier in the day, as on-time performance tends to deteriorate throughout the day at larger airports. This strategy also allows for more options to rebook on the same day if a major delay or cancellation occurs.

A study by AirAdvisor supports this, finding that 1,204 out of 1,562 chronically delayed routes had departures after 5 pm. These flights had a 59% chance of being delayed, with an average delay of 91 minutes.

Additionally, booking a flight that departs early in the day can reduce the likelihood of encountering a delay, as the chance of the plane being delayed by a previous flight is minimised.

Time of year

The time of year can significantly impact the likelihood of flight delays, with certain months and seasons experiencing more disruptions than others. For instance, winter weather conditions, such as snowstorms and low visibility due to fog, can cause significant delays at many airports. Summer, on the other hand, is the most popular travel period, leading to increased air traffic and a higher chance of delays.

In the United States, the holiday season around Christmas and New Year's Eve is particularly prone to flight delays. Additionally, specific months like August and September can also see higher delay rates, as seen in the data for 2024, where San Francisco International (SFO) and Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) had the highest delay and cancellation rates, respectively.

When it comes to seasonal variations, winter and summer tend to be the most challenging periods for air travel. Winter storms and inclement weather frequently disrupt flight operations, especially in regions prone to heavy snowfall, strong winds, and icy conditions. Summer, on the other hand, brings an increase in travel demand, often resulting in overcrowded airports and higher chances of delays due to increased air traffic.

However, it's important to note that these patterns can vary across different regions and airports. Some airports may experience more delays during specific seasons due to unique weather conditions or increased travel demand during certain times of the year. Therefore, it's always advisable to check the historical data and trends for your specific destination airport to make informed travel plans.

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