Traveling is thrilling but can be marred by unexpected delays at the airport. With the travel industry seeing a surge in air travel post-pandemic, knowing the airports with the worst delay records can help you plan better, avoid unnecessary stress, and save precious time.
This list is not a product of speculation but is derived from real-world trends, data from various airlines, and surveys conducted among frequent flyers. We are about to take you through a journey of the seven airports where delays are the most frequent and prolonged, so strap in and prepare for some enlightening turbulence.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the busiest airports worldwide. However, it also holds the dubious distinction of having one of the worst delay records. The heavy traffic, often exceeding its capacity, coupled with frequent weather disturbances, contribute to the delays.
As China’s economy continues to grow at a rapid pace, the number of people traveling for business and leisure is increasing. This has led to PEK’s congestion, making delays a common occurrence. If you’re planning to fly through PEK, it’s worth considering this and planning your schedule accordingly.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport is another major international hub notorious for its delays. Its strategic location and the number of international airlines it serves make it a significant transit point for global travelers. However, this also means that it is frequently congested, leading to delays.
The increase in global travel as restrictions ease is bound to add to the congestion at LHR. With the UK’s economy reopening, the frequency of business travel is also expected to rise, making delays a critical factor to consider when planning your itinerary.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O’Hare is one of the most congested airports in the United States. It serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. ORD often experiences severe weather conditions, which, combined with its high traffic, results in numerous delays.
As travel restrictions in the United States continue to ease, more people are taking to the skies. This is likely to exacerbate the congestion at ORD, making it even more prone to delays. Therefore, travelers should factor in potential delays when planning their travels through ORD.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is another airport in China infamous for its delays. Its high traffic volume, coupled with frequent weather disruptions, contributes to the frequent delays experienced by passengers.
As China’s economy continues to expand, so does the number of people traveling for both business and leisure. This means that PVG’s congestion is only going to increase, making it crucial for travelers to consider potential delays when planning their travels.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. However, its high traffic volume often leads to congestion and, consequently, delays. The situation is further complicated by frequent foggy conditions, which can disrupt flight schedules.
As more people start traveling again post-pandemic, LAX’s congestion is expected to increase. This makes it crucial for travelers to factor in potential delays when planning their travels through LAX. Being prepared can help avoid unnecessary stress and save valuable time.
Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is one of the busiest airports in India. However, its high traffic volume often leads to congestion and, consequently, delays. Furthermore, the airport often grapples with visibility issues due to pollution and fog, especially in the winter months.
As India’s economy continues to grow, DEL’s congestion is expected to increase. This makes it crucial for travelers to consider potential delays when planning their travels through DEL. Proper planning and being prepared can help avoid unnecessary stress and save valuable time.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Frankfurt Airport, a major aviation hub in Europe, often experiences flight delays. The airport’s massive size, coupled with its high traffic volume, often leads to congestion and delays.
With Europe gradually reopening for tourism and business, traffic at FRA is expected to increase further. Travelers planning to fly through FRA should consider potential delays to avoid stress and ensure smooth travel.
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