Flight delays Heathrow Airport are among the highest globally, as many major airports face frequent yearly disruptions due to various factors. 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 With staffing shortages, outdated infrastructure, and high passenger volumes, certain airports seem especially prone to delays.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
Flight delays Heathrow Airport deals with are among the highest in Europe. As one of the busiest hubs on the continent, Heathrow struggles with limited runway capacity and overwhelming passenger demand. The airport is a key hub for transatlantic and European routes, making it highly susceptible to bottlenecks and scheduling disruptions.
Weather also plays a role—flight delays Heathrow Airport experiences are often linked to winter fog or summer thunderstorms. In recent years, plans to expand capacity with a third runway have stalled due to environmental and political hurdles, worsening the delay issue.
Travelers are frequently advised to prepare for setbacks when flying through the UK’s busiest hub. In fact, flight delays Heathrow Airport sees on a regular basis have sparked ongoing debates about infrastructure, capacity, and investment. Despite efforts to modernize operations, flight delays Heathrow Airport is known for remain a concern—particularly during holidays and peak seasons.
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 Heathrow Airport: what you should know
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.
The flight delays Heathrow Airport continues to face are a good example of how multiple issues—weather, congestion, and infrastructure—can combine to create persistent scheduling problems.
However, always bear in mind that Regulation UK 261 (as well as EU 261) might get you compensation if certain conditions are met.
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 New York’s JFK and London’s Heathrow, face frequent delays. In fact, flight delays Heathrow Airport reports each year are often among the highest in global rankings.
If you’re a frequent traveler, there are ways to reduce your chances of encountering delays:
- Fly Early in the Day: Morning flights are less likely to be delayed, as airports are usually less congested.
- Avoid Peak Travel Seasons: Traveling during off-peak times, like midweek or outside of holidays, can help you avoid delays.
- Choose Alternative Airports: Some cities have secondary airports that may be less congested and more efficient.
- 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, delays—especially at major hubs like Heathrow—are likely to persist. While many airports are investing in modernization efforts and improved logistics, the flight delays Heathrow Airport faces remain a top concern for international travelers.