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    Major US Airports Ranked by Departure Delays, From Best to Worst

    Press RoomBy No Comments8 Mins Read

    If you’re hoping to get to your destination on time, the airport you fly from could make a difference.

    The following ranking is based on Bureau of Transportation Statistics data of major airports’ on-time departure performance, covering January through June 2026.

    The BTS has compiled this data from monthly on-time reports filed by US passenger airlines. A flight is considered on time if it departs from the gate less than 15 minutes after its scheduled departure time.

    To provide context on airport scale and airline mix, additional information for each airport has also been compiled from BTS.

    The number of scheduled flights for departures covers the 12 months ending May 2026. The top carriers also cover the period from June 2025 to May 2026 and are calculated based on passenger shares for both arrivals and departures.

    It’s important to note that delays at many of these airports are contingent on weather conditions, such as hurricanes in Florida, New England snowstorms, and Arizona’s heat. That could explain why some of these airports are on this list.

    Here are the 30 major US airports ranked by on-time departure performance, from best to worst:

    30. Salt Lake City International Airport


    Delta Airlines planes sit parked at the gate at Salt Lake City International Airport.

    Salt Lake City International Airport had the highest on-time departure rate.

    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 83.73%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 121,882

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Delta 56.35%, SkyWest (15.98%), Southwest (10.42%)

    29. Washington Dulles International Airport


    Travelers make their way to through the parking garage tunnel to the security checkpoint at Washington Dulles International Airport.

    Washington Dulles International Airport had the second-highest on-time departure rate.

    Finn Gomez/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 82.20%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 96,869

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: United (58.85%), Mesa (5.67%), Delta (3.88%)

    28. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport


    Crowded airport terminal concourse at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with travelers, a large woven overhead sculpture, cafe seating, escalators, and retail signs.

    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport ranked high for on-time departure rates.

    Mak Studio/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 79.66%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 188,049

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Alaska (48.63%), Delta (19.70%), SkyWest (7.68%)

    27. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport


    Spacious airport terminal concourse at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport with a circular skylight ceiling, columns, passengers, seating, and gate G18 signage.

    The largest carrier by passenger share at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is Delta.

    Davslens Photography/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 79.03%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 142,608

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Delta (56.73%), SkyWest (9.31%), Endeavor (5.79%)

    26. Newark Liberty International Airport


    Spacious airport terminal hall at Newark Liberty International Airport with travelers, retail shops, kiosks, flight display boards, and a high ribbed ceiling.

    At Newark Liberty International Airport, the airline with the biggest passenger carrier share by far is United.

    Mak Studio/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 79.02%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 138,322

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: United (60.12%), Spirit* (7.57%), American (5.70%)

    *Spirit Airlines is no longer operating and ceased operations in May 2026.

    25. George Bush Intercontinental Airport


    George Bush Intercontinental Airport entrance sign stands beside trees, landscaping, and a stop sign under a clear sky.

    At George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the airline with the biggest passenger carrier share by far is United.

    hapabapa/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 79.01%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 173,551

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: United (56.94%), Mesa (9.87%), Spirit (5.62%)

    24. Los Angeles International Airport


    Commercial jet descends over a large LAX sign near airport roadways at colorful sunset.

    Los Angeles International Airport ranks 24th in departure delays.

    Ekaterina Chizhevskaya/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 78.76%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 201,013

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Delta (22.38%), United (18.69%), American (17.69%)

    23. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport


    Multi-level indoor atrium at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with a skylight, central clock tower, seating areas, trees, and travelers with luggage.

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is routinely ranked by OAG as the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic.

    Kirkikis/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 77.44%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 348,958

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Delta (74.72%), Frontier (7.00%), Southwest (4.53%)

    22. Philadelphia International Airport


    Airport terminal and air traffic control tower overlook illuminated runways and gates at dusk.

    At Philadelphia International Airport, the airline with the biggest passenger carrier share by far is American.

    Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 77.08%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 130,566

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: American (47.43%), Frontier (11.83%), Delta (6.43%)

    21. John F. Kennedy International Airport


    Colorful apple sculpture stands inside JFK airport terminal near a large "Welcome to New York" sign.

    John F. Kennedy International Airport ranked 21.

    AlexandreFagundes/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 76.38%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 124,603

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Delta (33.27%), JetBlue (30.54%), American (12.85%)

    20. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport


    Airport control tower and terminal buildings stand before mountains under a cloudy sky.

    The air traffic control tower at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

    Melissa Kopka/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 76.18%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 208,792

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Southwest (34.51%), American (32.75%), Delta (6.95%)

    19. Denver International Airport


    People walking through Denver International Airport.

    Denver International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports.

    Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 76.14%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 326,928

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: United (40.69%), Southwest (30.40%), Frontier (9.85%)

    18. Boston Logan International Airport


    Airport check-in hall with empty queue barriers, numbered counters, and international flags hanging overhead.

    At Boston Logan International Airport, the airline with the biggest passenger carrier share is JetBlue.

    Alexander Farnsworth/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 76.07%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 161,772

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: JetBlue (27.10%), Delta (22.14%), American (13.93%)

    17. Tampa International Airport


    An aerial view of Tampa International Airport.

    Tampa International Airport was ranked 17th.

    Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 75.85%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 84,484

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Southwest (25.57%), Delta (19.29%), American (16.71%)

    16. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport


    Travelers with luggage move through a bright airport terminal beneath a red DELTA train on an elevated track.

    An express tram at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

    JHVEPhoto/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 75.80%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 144,924

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Delta (54.32%), SkyWest (10.44%), Spirit (9.56%)

    15. Charlotte Douglas International Airport


    Slow-moving conveyor or autowalk with a group of travelers inside Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

    At Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the airline with the biggest passenger carrier share by far is American.

    TrongNguyen/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 75.57%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 237,042

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: American (67.78%), Delta (2.15%), Frontier (1.93%)

    14. San Diego International Airport


    In an aerial view, airplanes are parked at San Diego International Airport's Terminal 2.

    At San Diego International Airport, the airline with the biggest passenger carrier share is Southwest.

    Kevin Carter/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 74.04%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 104,990

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Southwest (35.48%), Alaska (13.50%), United (12.24%)

    13. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport


    Passengers arrive at the South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

    The South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

    Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 73.52%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 91,854

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Southwest (42.29%), Delta (15.73%), American (14.66%)

    12. San Francisco International Airport


    A view of the welcome sign at the San Francisco International Airport.

    A view of the welcome sign at San Francisco International Airport.

    Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 73.42%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 149,754

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: United (47.38%), Delta (10.62%), SkyWest (9.85%)

    11. Harry Reid International Airport


    Travelers walk through a terminal at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Harry Reid International Airport is located in Las Vegas.

    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 73.21%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 181,954

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Southwest (44.34%), Delta (10.06%), United (8.98%)

    10. Miami International Airport


    Miami International Airport with international flags, palm trees, and tropical landscaping under a partly cloudy sky.

    At Miami International Airport, the airline with the biggest passenger carrier share is American Airlines.

    AlexandreFagundes/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 72.96%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 115,040

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: American (61.27%), Delta (11.87%), United (6.61%)

    9. LaGuardia Airport


    Passengers walk through the terminal at LaGuardia Airport.

    LaGuardia is located in Queens, New York City.

    Al Drago/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 72.09%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 159,367

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Delta (25.19%), American (14.82%), Endeavor (10.27%)

    8. Orlando International Airport


    Travelers move through Orlando International Airport with palm trees, balconies, skylight, and a large U.S. flag.

    Orlando International Airport ranks eighth-worst for on-time departures.

    Ancient Aftertone/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 71.79%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 169,849

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Southwest (26.49%), Delta (14.40%), Frontier (12.26%)

    7. Chicago O’Hare International Airport


    Travelers walk through the Chicago O'Hare International concourse decorated with pink ribbon banners and an American flag.

    Chicago O’Hare International is one of the world’s busiest airports.

    Colin Thompson/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 71.03%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 384,095

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: United (38.55%), American (22.70%), SkyWest (9.88%)

    6. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport


    Travelers walk by airplanes with Southwest Airlines on the tarmac at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

    At Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, the airline with the biggest passenger carrier share is Southwest.

    Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 70.74%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 96,660

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Southwest (73.15%), Delta (6.02%), Spirit (4.86%)

    5. Nashville International Airport


    Travelers make their way to the gates during a temporary ground stop at the Nashville International Airport.

    Nashville International Airport ranks fifth-worst for worst for on-time departures.

    Seth Herald/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 69.97%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 112,706

    Top carriers in June 2025*: Southwest (50.1%), American (14.8%), Delta (13.3%).

    *BTS does not have information on Nashville International’s top carriers. Instead, this data has been collated from the airport’s annual report, which shows average daily scheduled arrivals and departures for June 2025.

    4. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport


    An aerial view of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is seen on August 6, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia with runways, control tower, aircraft, and surrounding wooded office areas.

    Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport ranks fourth-worst for on-time departures.

    Kevin Carter/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 69.87%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 141,917

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: American (27.59%), Southwest (14.03%), Delta (9.59%)

    3. Chicago Midway International Airport


    Bright airport check-in hall with Southwest counters, holiday ornaments, directional signs, and a COVID-19 travel order notice.

    By far the largest carrier by passenger share at Chicago Midway is Southwest.

    Joe Hendrickson/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 69.30%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 74,133

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Southwest (93.52%), Frontier (3.11%), Delta (1.58%)

    2. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport


    An American Airlines jet is towed on an airport apron in front of a glass terminal building at Dallas-Fort Worth.

    The largest carrier at Dallas-Fort Worth is American Airlines.

    kameraworld/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 68.22%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 315,953

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: American (66.69%), Envoy Air (10.79%), Frontier (4.64%)

    1. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport


    Travelers queue at an airport security checkpoint below signs for Gates A-B-C and United counters.

    Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport had the lowest on-time departure rate.

    felixmizioznikov/Getty Images

    On-time departure rate, January-June 2026: 66.39%

    Scheduled flights, June 2025-May 2026: 91,994

    Top carriers, June 2025-May 2026: Spirit (23.13%), JetBlue (21.61%), Delta (15.53%)

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