U.S. Airlines and Airports Predict Smooth Holiday Travel with 90% On-Time Flights

Government actions and industry recovery contribute to improved performance, despite challenges from weather and increased passenger volume.

U.S. airlines and airports are set to deliver stress-free holiday air travel into the new year, with a 90% chance of flights running on time, weather permitting.
The U.S. airline industry has largely recovered from the messy summer, which saw significant flight disruptions due to weather and COVID-19 recovery challenges.
The U.S. Government has taken actions to improve infrastructure and help airlines and airports work around winter’s challenges, including hiring more air traffic controllers, opening new air routes along the East Coast, and granting airports funding for snowplows and deicing equipment.
Despite the volume, airlines and airports performed better this Thanksgiving than last year, with an average of 85.7% of domestic flights departing on time.
A study by Upgraded Points found that El Paso International Airport had the most delayed departures in the nation during the holidays, while Chicago Midway International Airport had the most delayed arrivals.