A new study has revealed the most stressful airports in the U.S.
The data, by Nova Kratom, ranked 358 U.S. airports based on flight disruptions in 2025 to identify where travelers are most likely to experience stress. The research combined data on flight delays, cancellations, and diversions to create an index score, by which the airports were then ranked.
The top 10 most stressful airports in America
|
Rank |
Airport |
Delay % |
Cancellation % |
Diversion % |
Index Score /100 |
| 1 |
Aspen-Pitkin County Airport |
29.20 |
4.68 |
4.67 |
100.00 |
| 2 |
North Central West Virginia Airport |
44.59 |
2.32 |
0.52 |
96.59 |
| 3 |
Hagerstown Regional Airport |
43.95 |
1.87 |
0.00 |
90.73 |
| 4 |
Concord-Padgett Regional Airport |
40.13 |
0.79 |
0.00 |
79.33 |
| 5 |
Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport |
35.39 |
0.57 |
0.29 |
71.14 |
| 6 |
Houghton County Memorial Airport |
24.46 |
3.88 |
1.09 |
67.52 |
| 7 |
Watertown International Airport |
17.10 |
2.34 |
4.54 |
67.35 |
| 8 |
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport |
25.63 |
4.02 |
0.56 |
67.24 |
| 9 |
Lea County Regional Airport |
27.69 |
2.40 |
0.90 |
66.93 |
| 10 |
Sioux Gateway Airport |
27.06 |
1.87 |
1.35 |
66.31 |
Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Colorado earns its top spot with an index score of 100 out of 100. 29.2 percent of flights were delayed, 4.68 percent canceled, and a remarkable 4.67 percent of arrivals diverted to other airports, a rate significantly higher than most major hubs. The airport’s challenging mountain location contributes to its operational difficulties, particularly during the winter months.
North Central West Virginia Airport ranks second, with an index score of 96.59. This is largely due to having the highest delay percentage in the top 10 at 44.59 percent. Despite fewer cancellations at 2.32 percent and diversions at 0.52 percent compared to Aspen, these extreme delays pushed it near the top of the rankings.
Hagerstown Regional Airport in Maryland secures third place, with an index score of 90.73. The ranking is driven by its 43.95 percent delay rate, the second-highest delay percentage among all airports studied. Despite having no recorded diversions, its consistent delay problems make it a troublesome choice for travelers.
Concord-Padgett Regional Airport in North Carolina ranks fourth, with an index score of 79.33. Like Hagerstown, it recorded no diversions, but its delays affect two out of every five travelers with a rate of 43.95 percent.
Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport in Ohio completes the top five with an index score of 71.14. Its 35.39 percent delay rate mainly comes from departures, with 136 out of 349 being delayed, a definite warning for those traveling from the airport.
Houghton County Memorial Airport in Michigan ranks sixth, with an index score of 67.52. The airport experienced delays on 24.46 percent of flights and cancellations on 3.88 percent, plus 1.09 percent of flights being diverted.
Watertown International Airport in New York reaches seventh place, with an index score of 67.35. While its delay rate was lower at 17.10 percent, it had the highest diversion rate at 4.54 percent in the top 10 after Aspen.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport represents the only major airport in the top 10, ranking eighth with an index score of 67.24. The capital’s airport experiences delays on 25.63 percent of flights and has a high cancellation rate of 4.02 percent.
Lea County Regional Airport in New Mexico is ninth with an index score of 66.93. An average of 27.69 percent of flights are delayed, and 2.40 percent get canceled.
Sioux Gateway Airport in Iowa is tenth, with an index score of 66.31. The airport has a delay rate of 27.06 percent, and 1.35 percent of flights are diverted, the third-highest figure in the top 10.
The top three least stressful airports in America
|
Rank |
Airport |
Delay % |
Cancellation % |
Diversion % |
Index Score /100 |
|
1 |
Elko Regional Airport |
3.31 |
0.22 |
0.44 |
9.66 |
|
2 |
Magic Valley Regional Airport |
5.10 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
9.70 |
|
3 |
Cedar City Regional Airport |
5.57 |
0.52 |
0.00 |
12.59 |
In stark contrast, the study identified Elko Regional Airport in Nevada as America’s least stressful airport with an index score of 9.66. The airport experiences delays on just 3.31 percent of flights, the lowest percentage in the study, with minimal cancellations at 0.22 percent and occasional diversions at 0.44 percent.
Magic Valley Regional Airport in Idaho ranks second, with an index score of 9.70. This small, regional airport boasts an impressive on-time record with only 5.10 percent of flights delayed and zero cancellations or diversions.
Cedar City Regional Airport in Utah is third, with an index score of 12.59. Once again, this airport saw no diversions in 2025, and only 5.57 percent of flights were delayed.
If you’re worried about flying, Monica from Nova Kratom has offered several practical tips for travelers facing potentially stressful airport situations, “Preparation is your best defense against airport stress. Check your flight status before leaving for the airport and sign up for text alerts from your airline to stay informed about any changes.
“Always build extra buffer time into your travel plans, especially when flying through airports known for delays or during winter months at mountain destinations like Aspen.
“When facing delays, having distractions ready, whether that be books, games, or meditation apps, as these can all help manage stress levels. And always keep essential items in your carry-on, including medications, a change of clothes, and chargers.
“Remember that some factors are simply beyond your control. Taking a few deep breaths and accepting the situation often helps more than fighting against circumstances you can’t change.”
Survey conducted by Nova Kratom.
Related Stories
Delta Air Lines Suspends Operations at New York and Boston Hubs
DHS Reverses Course: TSA PreCheck Remains Operational
Porter Adds Austin Nonstop and Moves Chicago Service to O’Hare
Source link
