Source: The Points Guy
Summary
2026 has seen a 15% increase in U.S. flight cancellations compared to 2025, according to FlightAware. Major disruptions included an air traffic control outage and weather-related issues. LaGuardia Airport had the highest cancellation rate at 6.5%, while Nashville International Airport experienced the most delays at 35.3%. Salt Lake City International Airport had the best on-time performance at 82%. Experts advise booking morning flights and using travel insurance to manage disruptions.
Our Reading
The escape is carefully planned.
Flights from LaGuardia and DCA face the most cancellations. Nashville and SFO see the most delays. Salt Lake City and Minneapolis offer the best on-time performance. Airlines like United and Delta operate from these hubs. Morning flights remain the safest bet.
Author: Evan Null
Worst year for flight cancellations since 2022
Since Jan. 1, U.S. carriers have canceled roughly 2% of all flights, per FlightAware. That puts 2026 on pace to see the highest rate of cancellations since 2022 — a forgettable year right after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when staffing and operational woes fueled one airline meltdown after another.
The worst airports for flight cancellations this summer
Which airports were the worst in terms of cancellations? We have the numbers:
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) had 6.5% of flights canceled. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) had 5.8%. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) had 4.2%. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) had 3.8%. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) had 3.7%.
The worst airports for flight delays this summer
Nashville International Airport (BNA) had 35.3% of flights delayed. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) had 34.6%. San Diego International Airport (SAN) had 33.6%. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) had 33.4%. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) had 32.1%.
Which airports had the best on-time record?
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) had 82% of flights on time. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) had 80.1%. Dulles International Airport (IAD) had 79.4%. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) had 78%. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) had 77.5%.
