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12 U.S. Airports With the Most Flight Delays and Cancellations

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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.