Lois Larson
Flight cancellations are influenced by a variety of factors, including weather, system outages, flight disruptions, and airport congestion. According to recent data, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) had the highest cancellation rate in 2023 at 2.84%. In the first half of 2024, Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) took the lead with a 2.74% cancellation rate. Additionally, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Miami International Airport (MIA) ranked among the top airports with the highest cancellation percentages. Hawaii's airports are known for their low cancellation rates, with three of the state's airports reporting the lowest percentage of canceled flights in 2022. When it comes to airlines, Frontier Airlines topped the ranking for the most cancellations between August 2023 and July 2024, with 2.22% of scheduled flights canceled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport with the highest cancellation rate in 2023 | Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) |
| Cancellation rate of Newark Liberty International Airport in 2023 | 2.84% |
| Airport with the highest cancellation rate in the first half of 2024 | Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) |
| Cancellation rate of Buffalo Niagara International Airport in the first half of 2024 | 2.74% |
| Airports with the highest cancellation rates | East Coast airports (EWR, LGA, JFK, BUF, ORF, BOS, FLL) |
| Airports with the lowest cancellation rates | Western US airports (GEG, TUS, KOA, BOI, PHX, SEA, SLC, ABQ, SMF) and Hawaii airports (KOA, OGG, HNL) |
| Airlines with the most cancellations in a recent 12-month period | Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Endeavor Air, Mesa Airlines, and GoJet Airlines |
| Percentage of canceled flights by Frontier Airlines between August 2023 and July 2024 | 2.22% |
| Percentage of canceled flights by Endeavor Air between August 2023 and July 2024 | 2.21% |
| Percentage of canceled flights by Mesa Airlines between August 2023 and July 2024 | 2.10% |
| Percentage of canceled flights by GoJet Airlines between August 2023 and July 2024 | 2% |
| Days with zero cancellations by Endeavor Air between August 2023 and July 2024 | 246 |
| Percentage of canceled flights by 10 of the largest US airlines in August 2024 | 2% |
| Factors contributing to flight cancellations | Weather, system outages, flight disruptions, ATC issues, bird strikes, equipment issues, crew timing, and airport congestion |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
US airports with the highest cancellation rates
The US airports with the highest cancellation rates tend to vary year by year. For instance, in 2021, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport reported the highest cancellation rates in the country, with an average cancellation rate of 5.18%. Three airports in Texas—DFW, HOU, and DAL—also made the top 10 list for most flight cancellations. In 2022, Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) had the highest cancellation rate in the country, at 5.55%. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City saw the largest increase in cancelled flights, a 497.89% jump from 2021.
In 2023, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) had the highest cancellation rate. The majority of airports with the highest cancellation rates are on the East Coast, including EWR, LGA, JFK, BUF, ORF, BOS, and FLL. Meanwhile, airports with the lowest cancellation rates tend to be in the western US, such as GEG, TUS, KOA, BOI, PHX, SEA, SLC, ABQ, and SMF.
For the first half of 2024, Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) returned to having the highest cancellation rate (2.74%), while San Francisco International (SFO) had the highest delay percentage (37.18%).
Looking at specific years, Hollywood Burbank Airport reported the highest cancellation rates in 2020, with an average cancellation rate nearing 10%. In 2019, the same airport averaged around 3.88% of flights canceled.
Hawaii consistently maintains a reputation for low cancellations. Three of the state's airports—Kona International Airport (KOA), Kahului Airport (OGG), and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)—reported the lowest percentage of canceled flights in 2022.
EGates: A Seamless Airport Experience
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$21.14 $28.69
US airlines with the most cancellations
When it comes to US airlines with the most cancellations, several carriers have been flagged by travellers and data analysts. InsureMyTrip, for instance, found that Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) had the highest cancellation rate (2.84%) in 2023. This airport, along with New York City's JFK and LaGuardia (LGA), is also considered one of the worst for delays and cancellations due to weather and ATC issues.
According to a 2024 report by Newsweek, Frontier Airlines topped the rankings with 2.22% of its scheduled flights cancelled between August 2023 and July 2024. This was based on data from the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) analysed by QR Code Generator. Following Frontier were Endeavor Air (a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines) with a cancellation rate of 2.21%, Mesa Airlines (2.10%), and GoJet Airlines (2%), both of which operate under United Express.
In the same report, Alaska Airlines came in sixth place with 1.8% of scheduled flights cancelled, followed by Spirit Airlines (1.63%), United Airlines (1.55%), PSA Airlines (1.46%), and JetBlue Airways (1.42%). It is worth noting that GoJet Airlines improved its performance, achieving a zero per cent cancellation rate in October 2024, according to a statement by a company representative.
Other airlines that have been mentioned in various sources as having high cancellation rates include Allegiant, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. However, it is important to note that the data on cancellations can vary depending on the time of year and specific circumstances affecting each airline and airport.
Protecting Film: Airport Travel Tips for Photographers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Factors causing cancellations
Several factors can cause flight cancellations, and these can vary depending on the airport and the time of year. Here are some of the most common factors:
Weather Conditions
Extreme weather conditions such as tornadoes, blizzards, and hurricanes can directly cause flight cancellations. In addition, non-extreme weather conditions that do not prevent flying can still slow down airport operations and contribute to cancellations. Airports that are more congested and exposed to weather changes are more likely to experience cancellations due to weather issues. For example, thunderstorms during the summer can significantly impact flight operations, especially in the afternoon and evening.
Operational Issues
Flight cancellations can also result from operational issues within the airline's control, such as maintenance, crew problems, aircraft cleaning, baggage loading, and fueling. Staffing shortages, including pilots and ground crew, have been a significant issue for airlines, leading to flight delays and cancellations. This problem has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with airlines struggling to keep up with the rapid increase in travel demand as restrictions ease.
Technical Problems
Technical problems and system outages can also lead to flight cancellations. These issues may include aircraft malfunctions, bird strikes, or issues with airport infrastructure and equipment.
Security and Safety
Security breaches, evacuations, and inoperative screening equipment can cause flight cancellations and delays. Additionally, factors related to air traffic control (ATC) can impact flight operations, including heavy traffic volume and air traffic congestion.
Previous Flight Delays
A delay in one flight can have a knock-on effect, causing subsequent flights using the same aircraft to be delayed or cancelled. This is particularly true for the first flight of the day, as any delay can impact the schedule for the rest of the day.
London's STN Airport: All You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Strategies to handle cancellations
While there is no clear consensus on which airport in the world cancels the most flights, several sources indicate that Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) had the highest cancellation rate in 2023. Other airports with high cancellation rates include San Francisco International (SFO), Miami International (MIA), and Buffalo Niagara International (BUF).
Now, here are some strategies to handle cancellations:
Book Smart:
- Opt for non-stop flights whenever possible. Direct flights reduce the chances of getting stuck during a layover.
- If a direct flight is unavailable, be strategic with layovers. Choose a connecting flight that matches your needs and preferences. Consider if there are alternative flights or nearby cities you can fly to if needed.
- Avoid booking the last flight of the day. Flights later in the day are more likely to be canceled or delayed.
- Consider the time of year and weather conditions when choosing your travel dates and airports. Some airports are more prone to cancellations due to weather or ATC issues.
Stay Informed:
- Check the status of your flight multiple times leading up to your departure, especially before leaving for the airport.
- Sign up for the airline's text alerts to receive instant notifications about any changes or updates to your flight.
- Familiarize yourself with your rights as a passenger. Know the amenities, refunds, or other compensations you are entitled to in case of cancellations or delays.
Plan Ahead:
- If you have an important event or meeting, consider arriving a day or two early. This buffer allows you to accommodate any delays or cancellations and reduces the stress of last-minute changes.
- When booking accommodations, choose a hotel that can provide early check-in or late check-out options in case your travel plans change unexpectedly.
- Always have a backup plan. If you are traveling for business, inform your colleagues about potential delays, so they can make alternative arrangements if needed.
Be Proactive:
- Arrive at the airport early, especially if you need to rebook a canceled flight. The first flights of the day tend to have better on-time performance, and you have a better chance of getting another flight.
- If your flight is canceled, act promptly. Contact the airline to explore alternative flights or request a refund if you prefer not to rebook.
- Stay calm and polite when dealing with customer service representatives. They are more likely to be accommodating if you maintain a pleasant demeanor despite the challenging situation.
Airport Jurisdiction: Local or Federal Government?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airports with the lowest cancellation rates
While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact airports with the lowest cancellation rates, especially since cancellation rates can vary year to year, there are some airports that consistently rank as having low cancellation rates.
For instance, Hawaiian airports have a consistent reputation for low cancellations. Three of Hawaii's airports, Kona International Airport (KOA), Kahului Airport (OGG), and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), reported the lowest percentage of cancelled flights in 2022.
In the United Kingdom, East Midlands Airport, Belfast International Airport, and Liverpool Airport were the regional airports with the lowest cancellation records. Luton Airport and Stansted Airport were the best-performing London airports in this category.
In 2021, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport reported the lowest percentage of cancellations (2.47%) out of the top 75 busiest airports in the United States.
In terms of airlines, Jet2 had the lowest cancellation rate out of the major airlines with regular flights departing from the United Kingdom, with just 0.06% of its 54,074 departures from the UK being cancelled. Ryanair also performed impressively, with a cancellation rate of 0.16%.
Additionally, certain routes have been noted to have zero cancellations. For example, Ryanair's Stansted to Barcelona service, Stansted to Bucharest, and Luton to Dublin routes all had no cancellations.
Understanding Origin Transfer Airports and Their Role
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) had the highest cancellation rate in 2023, at 2.84%.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) had the highest cancellation rate in the first half of 2024, at 2.74%.
Frontier Airlines topped the ranking, with 2.22% of its scheduled flights canceled during this period.
