As summer 2025 approaches and millions of Americans prepare for vacation travel, knowing which airports to avoid due to past disruptions is essential. Data from 2024 reveals which US airports struggled most with delays and cancellations—insights that can help travelers make informed choices this year.
Flight delays affected nearly 29% of all US flights in 2024, up from 27% in 2023. While cancellations slightly declined by 0.2 percentage points, the travel chaos at many major hubs continued to frustrate passengers. Here’s a breakdown of the worst and best performers, based on last year’s data.
Worst Airports for Flight Delays and Cancellations in 2024
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
One of America’s busiest gateways, JFK saw nearly 50% of flights delayed in 2024. Heavy international traffic, weather issues, and limited runway availability contributed to long waits and passenger dissatisfaction. Travelers departing JFK in summer 2025 should plan for buffer time and possible rebookings. - Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey
Newark continued to be a delay-prone airport in 2024. It had one of the highest cancellation rates among US airports. While marginal improvements were made, EWR remains a disruption hotspot, particularly for flights to the East Coast and Europe. - Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
Miami’s key role in serving Latin America and the Caribbean brought it high traffic in 2024, alongside weather delays and infrastructure strain. Travelers through MIA should be cautious, especially during hurricane season and high summer volumes. - Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois
A consistent top-five in terms of flight volume, O’Hare recorded notable delays last year due to operational complexity, weather variability, and air traffic congestion. For 2025 travelers, Chicago remains an airport to approach with backup plans. - Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
As a central US hub, DFW experienced significant delay patterns in 2024. Weather events and tight schedules across connecting flights contributed to disruptions. Expect challenges during peak summer afternoons.
Best US Airports for Smooth Summer Travel
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), California
A standout performer, Fresno saw fewer delays and cancellations in 2024. Its manageable passenger traffic and efficiency make it a top pick for domestic flyers. - Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), California
Low volume and high reliability gave Palm Springs excellent marks in 2024. If you’re traveling to or from Southern California, PSP is a less chaotic option. - Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii
HNL surprised travelers with minimal disruptions in 2024, offering both domestic and international flights with relatively smooth operations. An ideal choice for Hawaiian vacations. - San Jose International Airport (SJC), California
Serving the heart of Silicon Valley, SJC maintained strong operational performance throughout 2024. Lower crowds and solid logistics resulted in fewer cancellations. - Spokane International Airport (GEG), Washington
Reliable performance and lower-than-average delays positioned Spokane as a traveler-friendly airport for accessing the Pacific Northwest without hassle.
When to Fly in 2025 for Fewer Delays
Statistical trends from 2024 show that October had the lowest percentage of delayed flights (18%), making it an ideal month for travel. In terms of daily timing, flights departing between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. were the least delayed, while those scheduled between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. saw the highest likelihood of disruption.
Planning Tips for Summer 2025 Travelers
- Book early morning flights to reduce the risk of cascading delays.
- Use smaller regional airports when possible to minimize congestion.
- Monitor weather patterns, especially in airports like MIA, ORD, and DFW.
- Download your airline’s app for real-time updates and rebooking assistance.
- Avoid tight layovers at high-risk airports identified above.
Conclusion
Summer air travel in the US is expected to remain busy and occasionally unpredictable. By reviewing last year’s airport performance, travelers can make smarter decisions on where and when to fly. Opting for high-performing airports or adjusting travel times could mean the difference between a smooth journey and a frustrating delay.
Stay informed and proactive—your 2025 travel experience may just thank you for it.
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