If you’ve ever found yourself endlessly pacing at the gate or incessantly refreshing your flight status, you’re not alone. Airports across the U.S. can sometimes feel like they’re in a league of their own regarding flight delays and cancellations. The reasons vary from fogged-in runways on the West Coast to snowstorms blanketing the East, but the frustration is universal. Therefore, it’s best to know which airports top the charts for keeping travelers longer than expected and why the wait might be inevitable.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
This hub is notorious for its traffic volume, holding the title as one of the busiest airports globally. Atlanta’s susceptibility to severe weather, coupled with its high volume of domestic and international flights, leads to significant delays and cancellations. Notably, in 2022, ATL saw delays in over 30% of its flights, emphasizing the logistical challenges at this mega-hub.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Known for harsh winter conditions, ORD often grapples with operational disruptions. This airport is a critical node in America’s air traffic network, meaning delays here can ripple across the country. In 2022, nearly 25% of flights out of Chicago O’Hare were delayed, making it a frequent source of travel frustration.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Foggy conditions are a hallmark of SFO, leading to visibility issues that often result in flight delays. The airport’s geographic location and environmental constraints limit its ability to expand, compounding the delay issues. Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics proves the SFO had one of the highest rates of weather-related delays among major U.S. airports in the past year.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Located in a densely populated metropolitan area, EWR faces unique challenges due to its limited airspace and heavy traffic load. Delays are frequently exacerbated by the airport’s proximity to other major airports, including LaGuardia and JFK, which share the congested New York City airspace. In 2022, Newark experienced delays in 27% of its operations.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
As a major gateway for international and transcontinental traffic, LAX sees a high volume of passengers, which often leads to logistical delays. Additionally, the ongoing construction projects aimed at modernizing the airport have occasionally contributed to these delays. Last year, LAX ranked among the top five airports for total flight delays.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Texas storms are a frequent cause of disruption at DFW, where sudden weather changes can quickly lead to flight cancellations. The airport’s central location in the U.S. makes it a crucial hub for several major airlines, amplifying the impact of its operational challenges. DFW had a flight delay percentage of around 23% in 2022.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver’s winter snow and summer thunderstorms make it a hotspot for flight disruptions. DEN’s extensive runway layout helps mitigate some delays, but severe weather can still lead to significant operational impacts. The airport reported a high frequency of both cancellations and delays last year, affecting nearly a quarter of its flights.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
New York’s premier international airport, JFK, often experiences delays due to its heavy air traffic and runway maintenance work. Its role as a major international transit hub adds to the congestion, particularly during the holiday season. JFK’s delay rate was comparably high, impacting international flight schedules significantly.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
As the primary commercial airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area, SEA deals with a mixture of rain and cloud cover that frequently leads to delays. Its growing passenger volume has strained existing infrastructure, sometimes causing operational slowdowns. In 2022, SEA saw delays in approximately 22% of its flights.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Charlotte serves as a major airline hub in the South and faces frequent thunderstorms during the summer months, which are prime times for flight delays. The airport’s location also makes it vulnerable to the occasional winter storm, adding to the yearly delay totals. Last year, CLT had a delay rate of around 21%.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
PHL is another East Coast airport that struggles with both seasonal weather disruptions and air traffic congestion. It serves as a vital hub for domestic flights, which means delays here can have widespread effects on air travel in the Northeast. Philadelphia reported a delay rate of over 20% in the past year.
Miami International Airport
MIA faces a dual challenge of severe weather conditions, including hurricanes and a high volume of international flights. These factors frequently contribute to operational delays and cancellations, particularly during the hurricane season. Last year, Miami was among the top ten airports for flight cancellations.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Boston’s winter weather is a primary cause of its frequent flight delays, with snow and ice being common disruptors. BOS’s coastal location also exposes it to nor’easters, which can severely impact flight schedules. In 2022, Logan International had a higher-than-average delay rate compared to other major U.S. airports.
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
While generally known for clear weather, LAS occasionally faces delays due to high passenger volumes and the logistical challenges of accommodating a large number of international charter flights. The airport’s focus on both commercial and private aviation also adds complexity to its operations. Last year, delays affected about 19% of flights from Las Vegas.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
As a major tourist destination, Orlando’s airport manages a huge number of domestic and international flights, which can lead to congestion and subsequent delays. Seasonal thunderstorms further complicate the situation, making MCO prone to weather-related delays. In 2023, Orlando International reported delays in approximately 20% of its flights.
