“Why These 10 Airports Are Basically Weather’s TL;DR—Prepare for Delays That Could Outlast Your Zodiac Sign’s Latest Drama”
Added on November 17, 2025 inFun And Facts Cards
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Ever wonder why some airports seem to have weather delays stamped right onto their boarding passes? As Mercury might be doing its notorious retrograde dance, making communication—and apparently, flight schedules—go haywire, these hubs grapple with fog thicker than a mystery novel and snowfalls that could double as impromptu winter festivals. From the stormy coastlines to the breezy plains, Mother Nature keeps these airports on their toes (or maybe on hold). If you’re tired of watching those “DELAYED” signs flashing like disco lights, stick around—because unpacking the cosmic and climatic chaos behind America’s most weather-plagued airports just might help you embrace the waiting game with a bit more zen (and maybe extra snacks). Ready to see if your home airport made the list? LEARN MORE.
Few things frustrate travelers more than weather delays. It could be a dense fog blanketing the runway or snow piling up outside the terminal, weather disruptions can turn an exciting trip into an exhausting waiting game. A recent survey spotlighted the 10 U.S. airports where weather delays are most common, highlighting how geography and climate create unique challenges at each hub.
If you’ve spent hours watching departure boards flash “DELAYED,” you might recognize some of these airports. From winter snowstorms to summer thunderstorms, each of these locations has earned a reputation for unpredictable conditions. While some delays are unavoidable, understanding the “why” behind them might help you pack a little more patience (and snacks) for your next trip.
Let’s dive into the details behind these famously delayed airports and uncover what makes their weather troubles so persistent.
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Newark Liberty takes the top spot for weather delays, and for good reason. Situated in New Jersey, the airport’s proximity to the coast exposes it to heavy fog, nor’easters, and intense thunderstorms. These conditions often lead to significant disruptions, especially during the winter months.
More than 60% of the airport’s flight delays are due to weather, making it one of the most frustrating hubs for travelers. The ripple effects from these delays can stretch across the East Coast, impacting airports in neighboring states and beyond.
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San Francisco International Airport’s iconic fog is as much a part of the city’s identity as the Golden Gate Bridge. While beautiful from afar, this persistent fog wreaks havoc on flight schedules. Reduced visibility often forces delays and cancellations, especially during the summer and fall.
Adding to the challenge, SFO’s runways intersect, meaning any disruption affects multiple flights at once. With about 55% of flight delays due to weather, SFO’s foggy conditions continue to test the patience of travelers and airport staff alike.
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Chicago O’Hare is no stranger to extreme weather. From blizzards in the winter to thunderstorms in the summer, this Midwest hub faces challenges year-round. Snowstorms are particularly troublesome, often grounding flights for hours or even days.
As one of the busiest airports in the world, delays at O’Hare can have far-reaching effects on the entire U.S. air travel network. Around 46% of flight delays are due to weather, with winter storms contributing heavily to the disruption.
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LaGuardia’s compact layout and limited runways make it especially vulnerable to weather delays. Snowstorms and heavy winds frequently disrupt operations, creating headaches for passengers and airlines alike.
Despite recent renovations aimed at improving efficiency, LaGuardia remains one of the most weather-sensitive airports in the country. It ranks among the worst for winter delays, leaving countless travelers scrambling for alternative plans.
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Boston Logan’s coastal location subjects it to fierce nor’easters, blizzards, and strong winds. Winter weather is particularly unforgiving, often leading to lengthy delays and flight cancellations.
With nearly 45% of delays due to weather, Logan’s challenges are a testament to New England’s unpredictable climate. The airport’s role as a major hub for both domestic and international flights amplifies the impact of its delays.
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Denver International Airport sits at an elevation of over 5,000 feet, which means snowstorms and high winds are part of the deal. Winter storms can bring operations to a standstill, while summer thunderstorms add another layer of unpredictability.
About 40% of Denver’s delays are due to weather. Despite having one of the largest runway systems in the U.S., the airport’s location makes it a prime target for nature’s whims.
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JFK’s position along the Atlantic Coast leaves it vulnerable to a variety of weather challenges, from snowstorms to strong winds. As one of the busiest international airports in the country, these disruptions often create ripple effects felt around the globe.
Weather incidents cause about 42% of delays at the airport, with winter storms causing the most significant disruptions. The airport’s sprawling size and high volume of traffic only add to the complexity of managing weather-related issues.
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Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport faces a unique mix of weather challenges, including severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and oppressive summer heat. Lightning storms are particularly disruptive, often grounding flights for safety reasons.
The airport has dealt with significant delays during hurricane seasons, highlighting the risks of operating in the Gulf Coast region. Despite these challenges, IAH remains a vital hub for domestic and international travel.
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Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is no stranger to extreme weather. Thunderstorms, tornado warnings, and hailstorms are common in the spring, while summer brings intense heat that can strain airport operations.
Weather causes nearly 33% of flight delays at the ariport, with spring storms causing the most significant disruptions. As one of the largest airports in the world, DFW’s weather-related challenges often have a domino effect on flights across the country.
Image Credit: EQRoy at Shutterstock.
Philadelphia International Airport contends with a mix of snow, rain, and wind that frequently disrupts operations. Winter storms are particularly problematic, often leading to delays and cancellations during peak travel periods.
With about 42% of flight delays due to weather, Philadelphia continues to struggle with the impact of unpredictable conditions. As a key hub for East Coast travel, these delays often ripple through the broader air travel network.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
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