2026 U.S. Airport Departure Delays Ranked by On-Time Performance
A Bureau of Transportation Statistics analysis ranks 30 major U.S. airports by the percentage of flights that left the gate within 15 minutes of schedule for the first half of 2026.
Using BTS data collected from airline on-time filings, the bureau compiled a list of the 30 busiest U.S. airports and their departure punctuality for January-June 2026. An on-time departure is defined as leaving the gate less than 15 minutes after the scheduled time. Salt Lake City International Airport posted the highest rate at 83.73%, whereas Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport recorded the lowest at 66.39%.
The report also provides the total number of scheduled departures for the 12-month period ending May 2026 and identifies the airlines with the largest passenger shares at each hub. Notable weather challenges—including hurricanes in Florida, snowstorms in New England, and extreme heat in Arizona—help explain why some airports rank poorly. Spirit Airlines is noted as having ceased operations in May 2026, affecting its share at Newark Liberty International Airport. The full ranking offers travelers insight into which airports are most likely to experience delays.
Why it matters
Travelers can gauge which airports are prone to departure delays and plan accordingly.
In this story
