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Flight delays are a common occurrence that can cause stress and frustration for travellers. While delays can happen at any airport, some airports are more prone to delays than others. Various factors contribute to delays, including weather conditions, airport infrastructure, high passenger volume, and staffing issues. When planning travel, it is essential to consider which airports have a higher likelihood of delays to make informed decisions and better prepare for potential disruptions. By understanding the worst airports for delays, travellers can mitigate the risk of encountering significant delays and choose alternative routes or travel times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Worst airport for delays in the US | Provo Airport (PVU) in Utah |
| Worst airport for delays in the US (alternative source) | JFK Airport in New York |
| Worst airport for delays in Florida | Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport |
| Worst airport for delays in the world | Toronto Pearson International Airport |
| Worst airport for weather delays | New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) |
| Worst airport for delays during the holiday season | El Paso International Airport |
| Worst airport for delays in winter | Minot, North Dakota or Houghton, Michigan |
| Worst airport for delays in summer | Orlando |
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What You'll Learn
- Northeastern airports, including New York's JFK, have the highest likelihood of delays
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the most delayed US airport
- Florida airports, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, have a poor record
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has the highest number of weather-delayed flights
- Smaller regional airports, like Provo, Utah, can also have significant delays
Northeastern airports, including New York's JFK, have the highest likelihood of delays
New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is another notorious airport for weather delays. Combined with Newark, LaGuardia has the highest delay rate in the country, with nearly 30,000 significant delays of over 15 minutes in 2022. Newark Liberty International Airport also stands out for delays, with 29% of departing flights arriving at their destinations late, and an average delay of 22 minutes.
Other Northeastern airports with a high likelihood of delays include Boston's Logan Airport, one of the nation's busiest hubs, and several Florida airports, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Miami International Airport. These Florida airports experience disruptions due to factors such as a high volume of low-cost airlines operating there and staff shortages.
While Northeastern airports tend to have the highest likelihood of delays, it is important to note that other regions also experience significant delays. For example, Provo Airport in Utah has been named the country's worst for flight delays, with an average delay time of nearly one hour and 43 minutes.
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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the most delayed US airport
On clear days, SFO can handle around 60 landings per hour. However, during low visibility, this number is halved to 30 landings per hour. The close proximity of the runways also impacts operations, as air traffic controllers must stagger landings on days with reduced visibility.
The issues at SFO are primarily caused by its runway configuration and weather conditions. In comparison, airports like Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui, which has only two runways and less traffic, experience fewer delays, with only about 14% of flights delayed. Similarly, small northern airports like Minot, North Dakota, and Houghton, Michigan, experience significant delays during winter due to snow and cold temperatures.
Other airports in the US with notable delay records include those in Florida and Puerto Rico. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Orlando International Airport (MCO), and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) have all reported more than 26% of flights delayed. El Paso International Airport also stands out, with a 10-year analysis showing that 32.8% of flights leave late during the holiday season.
To avoid delays, travellers are advised to fly early in the day, as on-time performance tends to deteriorate as the day progresses. Choosing hub airports, flying non-stop, and purchasing travel protection can also help mitigate the impact of delays.
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Florida airports, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, have a poor record
FLL's location and infrastructure also play a role in the delays. The airport is situated off several major roads, including Interstate 95 and Interstate 595, which can experience heavy traffic. Additionally, the airport's terminal layout, with terminals on the outside and parking and ground transportation facilities on the inside, may contribute to congestion during peak hours.
Another Florida airport with a high delay rate is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is Florida's busiest airport and the ninth busiest in the nation. In 2024, more than a quarter of flights arrived at their destinations late, causing significant disruptions for travellers. The pressure of handling such a large volume of traffic can lead to delays, even in the absence of weather-related issues.
Miami International Airport, one of four Florida airports with a high delay rate, faced restrictions due to a staffing shortage of air traffic controllers, resulting in frequent ground stops and passenger disruptions. El Paso International Airport is also noted for its poor on-time performance during the holiday season, with 32.8% of flights departing late.
While Florida airports struggle with delays, Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui stands out for its impressive on-time performance, with only about 14% of flights delayed. Its relatively simple structure, with only two runways and less traffic, likely contributes to its timely operations.
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Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has the highest number of weather-delayed flights
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has been awarded the unenviable accolade of the highest number of weather-delayed flights. The airport is notorious for cancellations and delays, with the vast majority attributed to adverse weather conditions.
ORD serves as a central connection point for several airlines, and its location in Chicago means weather-related issues are common. Conditions such as precipitation, wind, and fog frequently impact flight operations, causing delays and cancellations.
The weather in Chicago can be unpredictable, and even when conditions are favourable, a sudden change can cause disruptions. Passengers are advised to check the weather forecast for their destination and stay updated with their airline for any potential delays or cancellations.
Additionally, flying earlier in the day is recommended when travelling through ORD. This strategy can help avoid cascading delays that often occur as the day progresses. Booking a connecting flight? Be sure to allow ample buffer time between flights to account for potential weather-related delays on the first leg of your journey.
While ORD takes the top spot for weather-related delays, other airports are also known for their delay-prone reputations. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) experiences frequent delays due to its runway layout and low visibility. Florida's airports, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, Orlando International, and Miami International, also consistently rank among the worst for delays, often due to high traffic volume and operational challenges.
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Smaller regional airports, like Provo, Utah, can also have significant delays
When it comes to airport delays, larger airports in popular holiday destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, and San Francisco often face challenges due to high passenger volume and weather conditions. However, smaller regional airports like Provo, Utah, can also experience significant delays.
Provo Municipal Airport (PVU) in Utah is a small airport that has seen remarkable growth in recent years, serving nearly 900,000 passengers in 2024. While it has been recognized for its enhanced passenger experience, smaller airports like Provo can still be prone to delays due to various factors.
One reason smaller airports may experience delays is limited infrastructure and resources. Smaller airports often have fewer runways, which can lead to reduced traffic capacity and delays during periods of low visibility or inclement weather. This is similar to the challenges faced by San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which has parallel runways close together, requiring staggered landings during low visibility, resulting in frequent delays.
Additionally, smaller airports may have fewer staff and ground personnel, making it challenging to manage delays effectively. Delays can also increase pressure on these airports, impacting gate availability and causing further delays. This added pressure can result in stress for both airport personnel and travelers.
The time of day and season can also contribute to delays at smaller airports. Smaller airports may struggle with early morning flights, and delays tend to accumulate throughout the day. Winter weather conditions, such as snow and cold temperatures, can significantly impact smaller northern airports, leading to disruptions and delays.
Furthermore, the popularity of low-cost airlines operating from smaller airports can be a factor in delays. For example, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, which serves many low-cost carriers, has experienced a notable number of flight disruptions, with Spirit Airlines having a 31% delay rate.
In summary, while smaller regional airports like Provo, Utah, may offer benefits such as enhanced passenger experiences and simpler operations, they are not immune to significant delays. A combination of infrastructure limitations, staffing, weather conditions, and other factors can contribute to delays at these airports. Therefore, travelers using smaller airports should stay updated on their flight status, arrive early, and consider travel protection to mitigate the potential impact of delays.
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Frequently asked questions
Provo Airport (PVU) in Utah has been named the worst airport for delays in the US, with an average delay time of 1 hour, 42 minutes, and 31 seconds. Other airports in the US that are known for their delays include:
- Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- JFK Airport, New York
- Newark Liberty International Airport
- New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
Yes, weather conditions can cause delays at US airports. Airports in Florida and Puerto Rico are notorious for delays, and snow and cold temperatures can wreak havoc on flights in North Dakota and Michigan.
Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada has been reported to have a high rate of delays, with 52% of flights delayed.
To avoid delays, it is recommended to fly early in the day as on-time performance tends to deteriorate throughout the day. Choosing a hub airport with more staff, planes, and flights can also make it easier to manage delays.
Flight delays can cause significant stress for travellers and can result in missed connections. Delays also cost airlines and travellers a lot of money, with delays costing American air carriers several billion dollars each year.
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