Flight delays can disrupt travel plans, and certain airports are more prone to delays than others. Certain airports, like Chicago O’Hare and London Heathrow, are notorious for delays due to high traffic and weather. Knowing which hubs to avoid during peak times can help travelers plan for smoother journeys.
In recent years, flight delays have become a common frustration for travelers worldwide. With staffing shortages, outdated infrastructure, and high passenger volumes, certain airports seem especially prone to delays. Here’s a look at some of the airports in the U.S. and globally that are most affected by delays, along with insights into the reasons behind the problems.
1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), United States
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a major hub, handling over 83 million passengers annually. But it’s also one of the U.S.’s most delay-prone airports. As a primary connection point between the East and West Coasts, O’Hare sees heavy traffic, compounded by frequent weather disruptions. Snowstorms in winter and thunderstorms in summer often lead to delays and cancellations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
To help mitigate the impact of delays, O’Hare has been expanding its infrastructure with the $8.5 billion O’Hare Modernization Program, which aims to increase efficiency and reduce congestion. However, with the high volume of flights and challenging Midwest weather, the airport remains a hotspot for delays.
2. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), United States
Newark Liberty International, one of the main airports serving the New York metropolitan area, ranks high for delays due to a combination of high traffic and weather-related disruptions. During peak travel periods, such as Thanksgiving and summer holidays, delays can worsen as the airport contends with increased flights and airspace congestion.
Weather aside, Newark also grapples with staffing shortages, which have compounded delays across the board. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been working on rerouting and scheduling adjustments to alleviate congestion, but delays remain common, especially during winter and stormy seasons.
3. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), United States
While Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport holds the title of the busiest airport in the world, it also faces some of the longest delays in the U.S. This major hub serves as a transit point for millions of passengers and flights across the globe. Bad weather and high traffic volumes lead to frequent bottlenecks, particularly in the summer.
To tackle the delay issue, the airport has invested in a multi-billion-dollar expansion plan to accommodate increased demand. This includes additional runways and terminal enhancements aimed at easing congestion, though the sheer volume of flights makes delays hard to avoid entirely.
4. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Canada
Toronto Pearson International is not only Canada’s largest airport but also one of North America’s busiest international gateways. Delays here are common due to the high volume of international flights and harsh winter weather conditions that can slow operations. The airport also faces challenges with border clearance, which often leads to longer wait times, especially during peak travel seasons.
Toronto Pearson has been focusing on expanding its capacity and increasing security and customs efficiency, though ongoing issues with scheduling and workforce shortages have made these delays hard to resolve completely.
5. London Heathrow Airport (LHR), United Kingdom
London Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in Europe and frequently deals with delays due to the combination of high passenger volume and limited runway capacity. As a primary hub for transatlantic flights and the primary gateway to Europe from the U.K., Heathrow faces challenges accommodating such demand with only two runways.
Expansion plans for a third runway have been delayed for years due to environmental and financial concerns, leaving Heathrow struggling to manage growing demand. Weather, especially during winter fog and storm seasons, often compounds the issue, making delays a frequent occurrence.
6. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), China
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is one of China’s largest and busiest airports, serving as a primary hub for the region. It experiences frequent delays, mainly due to airspace restrictions and high traffic demand. Chinese airspace regulations limit the number of available routes, creating congestion and delays, especially during high travel seasons.
Although the airport has undergone expansions to increase capacity, airspace limitations and inclement weather still affect schedules, causing disruptions for passengers. Future expansions are being considered to alleviate delays, though the constraints on airspace remain a major challenge.
7. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Philippines
Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila is notorious for flight delays due to its high traffic volume and limited infrastructure. Despite being a major gateway to the Philippines, the airport faces bottlenecks as it struggles to accommodate the rising number of passengers and flights. Compounding the issue is the airport’s close proximity to residential areas, which limits expansion options.
The government has considered proposals to build a new airport in Bulacan to ease congestion at Ninoy Aquino, but until that project materializes, travelers may continue to experience delays.
8. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), Indonesia
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, located in Jakarta, is the primary international gateway to Indonesia. The airport frequently experiences delays, mainly due to air traffic congestion and outdated infrastructure. While recent upgrades, including new terminals and runways, have helped alleviate some congestion, the high demand for flights, combined with adverse weather conditions, still poses a challenge.
Flight delays can result from a mix of factors, including weather, airport infrastructure, and workforce availability. Airports located in regions with extreme weather, such as snowstorms, heavy rain, or fog, often face more delays. Additionally, airports with limited runway capacity or outdated infrastructure struggle to accommodate high traffic volumes.
Airports located in regions with extreme weather, such as snowstorms, heavy rain, or fog, often face more delays
Here’s a breakdown of some primary contributors to delays:
- Weather Conditions: Bad weather, particularly in winter or during monsoon seasons, can lead to significant delays.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Older or smaller airports without sufficient runways or terminals experience congestion more quickly.
- Workforce Shortages: The global shortage of pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground crew has put added strain on airport operations.
- High Traffic Volume: Busiest airports with limited space, like London Heathrow and New York’s JFK, face more frequent delays, especially during peak hours
If you’re a frequent traveler, there are ways to reduce your chances of encountering delays:
1. Fly Early in the Day:
Morning flights are less likely to be delayed, as airports are usually less congested.
2. Avoid Peak Travel Seasons:
Traveling during off-peak times, like midweek or outside of holidays, can help you avoid delays.
3. Choose Alternative Airports:
Some cities have secondary airports that may be less congested and more efficient.
4. Stay Updated on Weather Conditions:
Knowing the weather forecast for your destination can help you plan for potential delays.
As airlines and airports work to resolve staffing and infrastructure issues, flight delays are likely to remain a part of air travel for the foreseeable future. Investments in airport expansions, updated infrastructure, and recruitment programs for skilled workers are all underway in various regions to address these challenges. However, for passengers, understanding which airports are prone to delays and planning accordingly can make travel smoother.
While the world’s busiest airports strive to meet demand and address delays, it’s always helpful for travelers to be prepared and consider alternative travel options.