The Top 10 Airports in the U.S. with the Most Delays: Are You Flying From One of Them?
Not all airports are created equal, and when it comes to flight delays, some really take the cake. It may come as a surprise to many travelers, but several of the worst-performing airports for delays are located right in sunny Florida. Let’s dig into the details and see where the delays are soaring!
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According to a thorough analysis by SOAX, which examined flight data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, we now have a clear picture of the airports causing the most aggravation to travelers due to delays.
“Uncovering which airports have the highest rates of delays provides significant insight into their reliability,” stated Stepan Solovev, CEO and co-founder of SOAX. “This ranking can help you make informed decisions for your next travel plans, possibly steering you away from the top offenders, leading to a smoother and less stressful journey.”
The data analyzed included flight performance from April 2023 to March 2024, where a flight was categorized as “delayed” if it departed 15 minutes or more later than its scheduled time. So, which airports topped the list?
**Florida’s Fort Lauderdale-Holywood International Airport Takes the Lead**
Arriving at the unfortunate number one is Fort Lauderdale’s Hollywood International Airport, boasting a staggering **31.9% delay rate**. Out of **91,561** recorded departures, a whopping **29,235** flights left late. This raised a few eyebrows as **17,043** delays were caused directly by air carrier issues, while **16,323** were attributed to problems within the national aviation system.
**Baltimore/Washington International Airport Follows Closely Behind**
In the second position, Maryland’s Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport isn’t far behind, with a delay rate of **28.9%**. Here, **28,338** out of **97,918** flights faced delays, predominantly due to air carrier issues and aircraft arriving late.
**Aspen/Pitkin County Airport Ranks Third with High Delays**
Taking the bronze medal in delayed flights is Colorado’s Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. You’d think such a small airport might do better, but it had a **27.5%** delay rate, resulting in **1,686** delayed flights out of just **6,129** departures. It seems the mountainous charm comes with its own set of challenges!
**Orlando International Airport: Another Florida Airport with Major Delays**
Florida makes yet another appearance with Orlando International Airport, ranking fourth. This bustling hub recorded a **27%** delay rate, with **45,171** delayed flights out of **167,595** overall departures. It proves that even holiday hotspots need a little help managing their schedules!
**Chicago Midway International Airport Rounds Out the Top Five**
Finally, Illinois joins the ranks with Chicago Midway International Airport showcasing a **26%** delay rate, marking **21,902** delayed flights out of **84,342** departures. Seems like windy city skies play games with travelers!
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**Miami International Airport: Florida’s Third Debacle**
Making its way into the sixth position, Miami International Airport has its own delay issues to contend with, reporting a **25.5%** delay rate. Much to the chagrin of travelers, **27,002** of its **105,843** departures were late. Thankfully for Florida travelers, they have a plethora of airport options to choose from!
**Nevada’s Harry Reid International Airport Sets a Low Standard**
In seventh, we find Nevada’s Harry Reid International Airport at **25.1%**, followed closely by Colorado’s Denver International Airport in eighth place with a **24.8%** delay rate. Texas marks its presence with Dallas Love Field (ninth, **23.7%**) and Fort Worth International Airport rounding out the list at tenth with a **22.7%** delay rate.
So, whether you’re planning your next vacation or a business trip, it pays to be informed. Knowing which airports have the most delays can help you make educated decisions to avoid those frustrating disruptions. After all, a smoother journey is only a flight away!