Why are flights being cancelled?

Staffing shortages But it's not just a pilot shortage that can cause a cancellation. Flight crew calling in sick, not enough maintenance staff, strikes, and even staff being declared unfit to fly because of health reasons or substance abuse can cause your flight to be canceled.



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An outbreak of Covid has been blamed for the third air-traffic control slowdown at London Gatwick so far this month. Staff sickness in the control tower meant the “flow rate” of flights using the world's busiest runway was reduced.

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If airlines cancel a flight for any reason, passengers are legally entitled to a full refund, including for ticket price, taxes, baggage fees, extra charges and ancillary fees.

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Summary: Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) has the highest cancellation rate in the country for 2022: 5.55% - up from 1.43% in 2021. That's an increase of 286.77%. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City saw the largest increase in canceled flights – from 1471 in 2021 to 8795 in 2022 - a 497.89% jump.

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To be clear, passengers flying in the U.S. are already entitled to refunds when a flight is canceled or significantly delayed. No matter the cause — weather-related or not — airlines must pay passengers back for the unused portion of their ticket if the passenger ultimately chooses not to fly.

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There are several reasons why flights may be canceled, including bad weather, air traffic restrictions, lack of airplane or staff, technical problems, and low passenger numbers.

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Airlines only cancel flights when they feel the REALLY need to. Sometimes that means they hold off on cancellations hoping things improve If things don't improve, you end up with last minute cancellations.

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Crosswinds greater than 50-60 km/h may cause airlines to delay or cancel flights. Even lower gusts can trigger flight delays or cancellations if the runways are wet or icy, as stiff winds can reduce a plane's ability to brake on the runway.

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According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), there are tarmac delay rules that US airlines must follow: Carriers are not allowed to hold a domestic flight on the tarmac for more than three hours and an international flight for more than four hours, barring a couple of exceptions (like if the pilot deems it's ...

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The top 10 safest airlines 2023
  • Qantas.
  • Air New Zealand.
  • Etihad Airways.
  • Qatar Airways.
  • Singapore Airlines.
  • TAP Air Portugal.
  • Emirates.
  • Alaska Airlines.


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Frontier Airlines has had the worst on-time arrival performance so far in 2023. Just 65.41% of Frontier flights arrived on time from January through April 2023.

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BTS data from July 2021 to June 2022 shows Hawaiian performed best of all U.S. airlines with just a 0.81% cancellation rate. Delta took second place again — with a cancellation rate of 1.63%. Meanwhile, merger partners JetBlue (3.81%) and Spirit Airlines (4.11%) canceled the highest percentage of all flights.

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There are several reasons why flights may be canceled, including bad weather, air traffic restrictions, lack of airplane or staff, technical problems, and low passenger numbers.

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If you are stuck abroad or at the airport because of a flight cancellation, airlines must also provide you with other assistance until you are able to fly to your destination. This includes: A reasonable amount of food and drink (often in the form of vouchers)

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Monthly Cancellation Overview
Whereas the average for EMEA airlines resulted in 3.9% from February to June, Ryanair achieved a cancellation rate of 0.4%.

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According to EC 261/2004, the airline must give you at least 14 days' notice of a cancelled flight. If your flight is cancelled later than this, you're entitled to an alternative flight with the same airline. If this isn't provided, you qualify for a full refund. However, in either case, you can claim compensation.

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For domestic flights in the U.S., airlines have to pay you 200% of the value of your one-way ticket up to $775 if you arrive at your destination one to two hours past your originally scheduled itinerary or 400% of the one-way ticket price, up to $1,550 if your arrival delay is longer than two hours.

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How the major airlines ranked for cancellations in 2022
  • Frontier Airlines – 2.87% of flights canceled.
  • Spirit Airlines – 3% of flights canceled.
  • Southwest Airlines – 3.26% of flights canceled.
  • Allegiant Air – 3.52% of flights canceled.
  • JetBlue Airways – 3.74% of flights canceled.


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