Lois Larson
Delays are an inevitable part of air travel, and some airports are more prone to them than others. While there are many reasons for flight delays, including weather, staffing shortages, and infrastructure upgrades, certain airports consistently top the list for the highest number of delayed flights. This paragraph will explore the airports with the most delays, providing insights into the worst offenders and the factors contributing to their poor on-time performance. By understanding which airports to avoid, travellers can make more informed decisions and hopefully minimise the frustration of lengthy delays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Worst airport for delays in the U.S. | Provo Airport, Utah |
| Average delay time at Provo Airport | 1 hour, 42 minutes, and 31 seconds |
| Second worst airport for delays in the U.S. | Orlando Sanford International Airport |
| Average delay time at Orlando Sanford International Airport | Over 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Third worst airport for delays in the U.S. | Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport |
| Average delay time at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport | Over 1 hour and 29 minutes |
| Worst airport for delays in New York | JFK Airport |
| Worst airport for delays in 2023 | New York's JFK Airport |
| Airport with the most cancellations between Jan.-June 2024 | Newark Liberty International Airport |
| Airports with the highest delay and most cancellation percentages | San Francisco International and Miami International |
| Airports with the fewest delays and cancellations | SLC, MSP, ATL, BOI, SJC |
| Airports prone to weather-related delays | Logan International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Philadelphia International Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Provo Airport, Utah has the worst average delay time
Flight delays can be stressful and frustrating, and while every airport and airline can experience them, some are far worse than others. Provo Airport (PVU) in Utah has been named the country's worst airport for delays, with an average delay time of 1 hour, 42 minutes, and 31 seconds. This small airport saw nearly 40% of its flights delayed during the study period, impacting travellers and causing potential missed connections.
The issue of delays at Provo Airport is not due to its size but rather the commercial airlines it services. Currently, only budget-friendly airlines Breeze Airways, Allegiant, and American Airlines operate there. These airlines do not have spare aircraft or flight crews readily available to mitigate delays. Additionally, Provo Airport's location in Western Utah makes it prone to weather conditions such as low-lying clouds and thick fog, which can further contribute to delays or cancellations.
To avoid the hassle of delays, travellers can consider a few strategies. Firstly, sticking to direct flights instead of journeys with layovers can reduce the chances of delays. Secondly, afternoon flights tend to experience more delays, so choosing morning or early flights can be beneficial. Lastly, travellers concerned about delays at Provo Airport can opt for alternative travel hubs, such as Salt Lake City International Airport, located just 50 miles north.
While Provo Airport currently holds the dubious distinction of having the worst average delay time, it is important to note that other airports also experience significant delays. Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) in Florida ranks second, with average delays of over an hour and a half. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas comes in third, with delays averaging 1 hour, 29 minutes, and 12 seconds. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in North Carolina and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in Pennsylvania round out the top five.
As air travel continues to rebound from the pandemic, travellers can benefit from being informed about airports with frequent delays. By considering alternative travel options or planning backup itineraries, travellers can minimise the impact of delays and improve their overall travel experience.
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Orlando and Las Vegas airports are pressured by demand
While there are many delayed flights across the United States, Orlando and Las Vegas airports are particularly pressured by demand. According to a study by the travel website Places to Travel, Provo Airport in Utah is the worst airport in the country for delays, with an average delay time of 1 hour and 42 minutes. However, Orlando Sanford International Airport is a close second, with an average delay time of over 1 hour and 30 minutes. With nearly 1,000 flights during the study period, 28% were delayed by 15 minutes or more. Orlando's popularity as a holiday destination means that all it takes is one delayed flight to cause a ripple effect of cancellations and further delays.
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport is also prone to delays. While data specific to this airport is scarce, it is another popular holiday destination airport that is pressured by demand. In general, small northern airports in winter, such as those in Minot, North Dakota, and Houghton, Michigan, are also prone to delays due to snow and cold temperatures.
Interestingly, the data does not show that larger airports experience more significant delays. Jason Wilson, CEO of Places to Travel, acknowledges that people may assume that larger airports with a greater number of flights would experience more considerable delays. However, the findings indicate that a massive number of flights are delayed across various airports, and the air travel infrastructure needs to adapt to handle the volume of passengers better.
The pressure caused by demand for gates at these airports increases costs for airlines and passengers and puts stress on ground personnel. The domino effect of delays and cancellations can be costly for travelers, who may have to pay for unplanned purchases. It can also cause missed connections and other inconveniences. As such, it is always good to plan accordingly and consider purchasing travel protection to safeguard against potential delays.
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San Francisco International's delay rate jumped in 2023
Provo Airport in Utah currently holds the title of the most delayed airport in the US, with an average delay time of 1 hour, 42 minutes, and 31 seconds. However, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has also been facing significant delays. While the data for SFO in 2023 is limited, sources indicate that the airport has been experiencing notable delays, with one report from March 2025 stating that some arriving flights were delayed by an average of 2 hours and 17 minutes, not exceeding 3 hours and 19 minutes. This is a substantial increase in delay times compared to pre-2023 reports, which indicated that the airport had an average wait time of just under 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Several factors can contribute to flight delays at San Francisco International Airport. One significant factor is weather conditions. The airport is prone to experiencing wind, which can disrupt flight schedules and cause delays. In fact, a Traffic Management Program has been implemented specifically to address the issue of wind, and this has been cited as a reason for the recent increase in delays. The program aims to ensure safe arrivals and departures, but it can result in delays for both incoming and outgoing flights.
The pressure on popular holiday and summer destination airports can also contribute to delays. San Francisco is a popular tourist destination, and the increase in flight traffic during peak travel seasons can lead to a higher number of delays. Additionally, as one source notes, the size of an airport does not always correlate with the number or length of delays. Smaller regional airports can experience longer delays, and San Francisco International Airport, while a large and busy airport, may be facing increased pressure due to the high volume of passengers and flights it handles.
It is important to recognize that flight delays can be frustrating and stressful for travelers, and they can also impact the airport's operations and efficiency. Delays can result in missed connections, increased costs for travelers and airlines, and added pressure on ground personnel. While San Francisco International Airport works to manage delays and ensure smooth operations, travelers are advised to stay informed about potential delays and make travel plans accordingly to minimize any inconvenience. Checking for updates on arrival and departure delays and considering less delayed airports can help travelers make more informed decisions and reduce the chances of significant disruptions to their journeys.
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LaGuardia Airport is prone to delays due to weather
LaGuardia Airport, located in New York City, is prone to delays due to its susceptibility to weather conditions. While weather delays can occur at any airport, LaGuardia's location and weather patterns in the region contribute to a higher likelihood of disruptions.
Firstly, LaGuardia Airport is situated in a region that experiences all four seasons, including cold winters and hot, humid summers. This varied climate increases the potential for weather-related delays throughout the year. Winter storms, icy conditions, and heavy snowfall can cause significant disruptions, while summer thunderstorms and strong winds can also lead to delays or cancellations.
The airport's proximity to the water further exacerbates the issue. LaGuardia is located along the East River and is surrounded by water on three sides, making it more susceptible to fog and low-lying clouds, which can reduce visibility and impact flight operations. This phenomenon is particularly common during the spring and autumn seasons, when foggy conditions can cause delays or even ground flights until visibility improves.
Additionally, LaGuardia Airport's relatively compact layout can amplify the effects of weather delays. With limited runway space and a higher volume of flights compared to some larger airports, any weather-related disruption can quickly lead to a domino effect of delays and cancellations. A single storm or period of adverse weather conditions can impact numerous flights, affecting both departing and arriving passengers.
The impact of weather on LaGuardia Airport is further evidenced by the airport's delay statistics. While specific data varies, LaGuardia consistently ranks among the airports with the highest delay rates, often attributed to weather conditions. These delays can range from a few minutes to several hours, affecting travellers' plans and causing frustration.
To mitigate the impact of weather delays at LaGuardia Airport, travellers are advised to stay informed about weather conditions, allow for potential delays when planning their journeys, and consider booking flights for earlier in the day, as on-time performance tends to deteriorate as the day progresses. While LaGuardia Airport actively works to manage weather-related disruptions, passengers can also explore travel protection options that provide coverage for flight delays, ensuring a more seamless travel experience.
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Small northern airports like Minot struggle in winter
While larger airports like JFK in New York and San Diego International and Nashville International are expected to have bigger delays due to the high volume of flights, it is the smaller regional airports that top the list for the worst delays. Provo Airport in Utah, for instance, has an average delay time of 1 hour, 42 minutes, and 31 seconds, with nearly 40% of its flights delayed.
Small northern airports like Minot, North Dakota, and Houghton, Michigan, are particularly susceptible to delays in winter. Snow and cold temperatures wreak havoc on flights, causing cancellations and serious delays. This puts additional stress on ground personnel and increases costs for airlines and passengers.
Winter weather conditions in these regions can be unpredictable and extreme, with low-lying clouds and thick fog making it challenging to operate flights safely. These conditions can lead to cancellations or significant delays, affecting not only the affected flights but also causing a domino effect of delays and cancellations throughout the day.
The pressure on these small northern airports is further compounded by the limited resources and infrastructure available to handle delays. Smaller airports may have fewer gates, and a delayed flight can quickly create a backlog, impacting subsequent flights. This, in turn, increases the pressure on ground staff, who may already be working with reduced personnel.
As a result, travellers are advised to beware of flying through small northern airports like Minot during the winter months. While these airports may offer convenient travel options, the potential for delays and their impact on travel plans cannot be overstated. Planning alternative routes or opting for larger airports with better resources to manage delays could help mitigate the risk of significant disruptions.
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Frequently asked questions
Provo Airport in Utah is the worst airport in the US for delays, with an average delay time of 1 hour, 42 minutes, and 31 seconds. Other airports with long delay times include Orlando Sanford International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and New York's JFK Airport.
Interestingly, data suggests that airport size does not necessarily correlate with the number or length of delays. Smaller regional airports can still experience significant delays, and larger airports may have the infrastructure to handle a greater volume of flights without major delays.
Delays can be caused by a variety of factors, including weather conditions, staffing shortages, and infrastructure issues. For example, snow and cold temperatures can cause havoc at smaller northern airports, and low-lying clouds and fog can make it difficult for flights to operate safely.
