Worst Airports for Flight Delays in 2025: A Holiday Traveler's Nightmare

Strategic Insights -

As the holiday season approaches, millions of Americans are gearing up for their journeys, but not every airport runs on time. Ongoing impacts from the government shutdown have caused additional strain on airport operations, leading to even more flight delays and disruptions. According to InsureMyTrip's analysis of DOT data, the worst airports for flight delays in 2025 are Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Palm Beach International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport, among others. Travelers flying through these "delay-prone" hubs are statistically more likely to experience disruptions, making proactive planning and proper coverage essential.

Key Takeaways:

  • The top 10 airports with the highest percentage of delayed flights in the first half of 2025 are: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Norfolk International Airport (ORF), Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and Memphis International Airport (MEM).
  • Travelers flying through these airports are statistically more likely to experience disruptions, making proactive planning and proper coverage essential.
  • The cost of a delay can add up quickly, with a six-hour delay costing a traveler more than $250 in food, transportation, and incidentals, and an overnight delay costing over $600.
  • Full trip protection often costs about 4-10% of the total trip, which is usually less than what a family might spend on airport food during a single delay.
  • Travel insurance can help offset many of the unexpected expenses caused by long delays or cancellations, including meals and accommodation, ground transportation, missed connection coverage, trip interruption benefits, and 24-hour travel assistance.
  • A six-hour delay can cost a traveler more than $250 in unexpected expenses.
  • An overnight delay can cost over $600 in unexpected expenses.
  • Full trip protection costs about 4-10% of the total trip.
  • Travel insurance can help cover meals and accommodation, ground transportation, missed connection coverage, trip interruption benefits, and 24-hour travel assistance.

Sources:

  • DOT data, referenced by InsureMyTrip.
  • InsureMyTrip analysis of DOT data.
  • Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.
  • Media contact: Meghan Kayatapress@insuremytrip.com.