UPDATE: A new report reveals that U.S. airlines are struggling more than ever with on-time arrivals in 2025, impacting millions of travelers today. Flight tracking app Flighty analyzed data from 22 million flights, highlighting that delays are a significant challenge for air travel worldwide, especially as summer travel peaks.
The report shows that 28% of flights from Frontier Airlines arrived at least 15 minutes late, making it the most delayed airline in the U.S. for 2025. Meanwhile, JetBlue and Southwest tied for second place, with delays affecting 25% of their flights. American Airlines and Alaska Airlines followed closely, with roughly 24% and 23% of flights delayed, respectively.
These delays matter now more than ever, as late arrivals can disrupt connections, hotel check-ins, and transport arrangements. The report highlights that the average delay lasted 23 minutes, costing travelers an estimated 3.9 million hours globally due to late arrivals. Additionally, 1.4 million hours were lost waiting for flights to depart—equivalent to 164 years of waiting at airports.
Internationally, the situation is even bleaker. Airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Air France reported delays on 29% of their flights, surpassing any U.S. carrier from the report. This indicates that the issue of flight delays is a global epidemic, fueled by busy airports and high passenger demand.
Travelers should remain vigilant, especially when flying abroad. The report emphasizes the need for passengers to build in extra time for connections, just as they would for domestic flights.
The analysis also examined the causes behind the delays. Operational issues such as gate readiness, taxiway congestion, and runway queues are all contributing factors. In the U.S., staffing and security issues, especially during peak travel seasons, have further complicated the situation. A recent government shutdown exacerbated TSA wait times, leading to a cascade of delays throughout the day.
Airport conditions add another layer of stress for travelers. Newark Liberty International Airport was named the most stressful airport globally, with average departure delays exceeding 21 minutes and a cancellation rate above 1%. Other airports like Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado and Manchester are not far behind. Within the U.S., JFK and Chicago O’Hare also rank high in stress-related factors.
For travelers, this report serves as a crucial reminder to set realistic expectations. While the rankings may seem daunting, they can guide planning decisions. Experts recommend booking early flights, avoiding tight connections, and allowing extra buffer time to mitigate the impact of delays.
As air travel continues to surge, delays are likely to remain a part of the flying experience. Understanding which airlines and airports struggle the most can help passengers prepare and navigate their journeys more smoothly. With informed planning, travelers can reduce the stress associated with delays and enjoy their trips more fully.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
