East Coast’s Busiest Airport Ranked Worst for Flight Disruptions

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East Coast's Busiest Airport Ranked Worst for Flight Disruptions

If you’re planning to fly in or out of Washington, D.C. anytime soon, don’t be shocked if your travel plans hit a few snags. According to a new study from the air passenger rights group AirHelp (via Patch), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) had the highest percentage of flight disruptions in the U.S. in February 2025. A whopping 40.2% of flights at DCA were either delayed or canceled that month.



The reasons for flight disruptions can vary — from unpredictable East Coast weather to technical and safety issues — but it’s pretty clear that DCA isn’t exactly the safest bet for smooth, on-time travel right now. So if you’ve got Reagan National in your itinerary, plan ahead for the worst case scenario. It’s wise to build in buffer time for any deadlines or connections on your schedule, keep an eye on your airline app, and maybe pack an extra snack (or three).

If you’re wondering when to go to the airport if your flight is delayed, we still recommend arriving before your original departure time. You might think a delay gives you extra time at home, but you never know if the carrier will end up moving the delayed departure up. So it’s better to play it safe than be sorry and stranded.



Tips for avoiding and dealing with flight disruptions

A man sleeping on a bench at an airport.

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.