Flight Delays Surge in 2024: The Most Troubled U.S. Airports

Air travel, while often the fastest way to get from point A to point B, can also bring headaches in the form of flight delays and cancellations. In 2024, these frustrations are on the rise, with new data revealing which U.S. airports are experiencing the worst disruptions.

A study by the travel website InsureMyTrip, based on data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), has uncovered some eye-opening statistics on flight delays and cancellations.

Frequent flyers may want to take note—San Francisco International Airport (SFO) leads the pack for the most delayed flights this year.

The Most Delay-Prone Airports of 2024

For travelers passing through SFO, patience has certainly been tested in 2024. With 37.18 percent of its flights delayed through June, this airport tops the list with the highest percentage of delayed flights.

While San Francisco’s notoriously foggy weather often contributes to these delays, it’s not the only factor plaguing air traffic. System outages, staffing shortages, and increased travel demand have also compounded the issue.

Photo: Courtesy of Duke Cullinan / Unsplash

Following SFO, other airports with high delay rates include San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) at 26.52 percent and the main hub of American Airlines, Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) at 26.46 percent.

Notably, Florida is a hotspot for delays this year, with four of its airports making the top 10 list: Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA), and Tampa (TPA).

Texas, too, has seen a surge in delays, with three of its airports—DFW, Austin Bergstrom (AUS), and San Antonio International (SAT)—ranking in the top 10 for delayed flights.

Worst Cancellation Rates

Flight delays aren’t the only issue frustrating travelers in 2024—cancellations have also spiked. Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) had the unfortunate distinction of holding the highest flight cancellation rate, with 2.74 percent of its flights grounded through June.

Miami (MIA), a main hub for American Airlines and the airport with the most diverse number of international airlines in the country, also made the list for both high delays and cancellations, signaling ongoing operational challenges at this major U.S. hub.

Photo: Courtesy of Newark Airport

Newark Liberty (EWR), while improving its delay rates compared to 2023, remains one of the most cancellation-prone airports. Travelers flying through New Jersey’s busiest gateway may still find themselves in limbo as flights are axed due to various operational disruptions.

The Bright Side: Airports with the Fewest Delays

It’s not all bad news for air travelers in the U.S. A handful of airports have managed to keep delays and cancellations to a minimum in 2024, offering a smoother experience for passengers.

Topping the list with the fewest delays is Kahului Airport (OGG) in Hawaii, where only 14.16 percent of flights have been delayed this year.

Travelers flying to or from two of Delta’s busiest hubs—Salt Lake City (SLC), Atlanta (ATL)—as well as Washington-Dulles (IAD) have also enjoyed better-than-average punctuality.

Several airports, including Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP), and Boise Airport (BOI), have performed well in both delay and cancellation metrics, making them standout examples of operational efficiency.

Florida and Texas: Trouble Spots for Travelers

For frequent flyers in Florida and Texas, 2024 has been a rough year. As mentioned earlier, four Florida airports—Fort Lauderdale (25.73 percent), Orlando (25.12 percent), Miami (25.05 percent), and Tampa (24.76 percent)—have made the list for high delays.

These numbers reflect the challenges facing Florida’s bustling tourism industry, which sees millions of visitors annually—especially in Orlando where most of the incoming passengers are headed for the city’s iconic attractions.

While the Sunshine State’s major hubs grapple with delays, travelers flying through the state should anticipate longer wait times and potential rescheduling.

Photo: Courtesy of Miami International Airport

Texas, another state with multiple airports on the list, has struggled with high percentages of delayed flights in Dallas (26.46 percent), Austin (25.46 percent), and San Antonio (25.30 percent).

The state’s booming economy, combined with increased travel demand, has contributed to congestion at these major airports.

How Do These Delays Affect Travelers?

For air travelers, delays and cancellations can result in more than just inconvenience—they can lead to missed connections, additional lodging costs, and disrupted plans. The study by InsureMyTrip highlights the importance of knowing which airports are most prone to these issues so travelers can better plan their trips and consider alternative options if needed.

However, with the improvements that most of these high-trafficked airport are doing, like the Miami International Airport capital improvement program, these negative metrics these negative metrics should show a significant advancement.

Photo: Courtesy of Denver International Airport.

In light of this data, it’s clear that flight disruptions are a growing concern in 2024. With San Francisco topping the list of delays and Buffalo Niagara leading in cancellations, travelers are encouraged to stay informed, plan ahead, and prepare for potential interruptions, particularly when flying through the most affected airports.

As air travel demand continues to soar, so too do the challenges of keeping flights on schedule. While some airports struggle with delays and cancellations, others shine thanks to their efficiency. Armed with this latest data, travelers can make more informed decisions about their routes and avoid the most disrupted airports in the country.