In 2024, some European airports are showing worrying performances. At the top of the "worst" rankings are German airports such as Frankfurt and Munich stand out for their high cancellation rates. In the UK, London Heathrow and Gatwick are also among the problem hubs. Delays are not to be outdone either, with Lisbon holding the palm of frequent delays. In France, Clermont-Ferrand boasts worrying results. Among the best, Madrid-Barajas airport is the most punctual, unlike Berlinoffering mediocre service, according to the analysis.
In 2024, according to air passenger rights expert Flightright, disruptions to flight schedules have made some European airports a nightmare for travelers. With mass flight abandonments and incessant delays, these airports require some caution if you're planning a trip. Here's our selection of the 20 least recommended.
German airports top the list of cancellations
Visit German airports are among the worst in terms of cancellations. Frankfurtwith its importance as an international hub, saw a cancellation rate of 2.48 %. Next come Munich (1.93 %) and Berlin (1.72 %), making these destinations particularly irritating for passengers. These figures illustrate ongoing disruptions caused, in part, by high traffic volumes and increased operational constraints.
United Kingdom: recurring challenges for major hubs
Visit United Kingdom is not to be outdone with Heathrow and Gatwickranked respectively fourth and eighth worst airports for cancellations. These bastions of international air traffic share the common complications of major hubs, with high flight density and a cancellation rate of around 1.5 % at Heathrow.
Delays that exasperate travellers
On the delays side, where waiting has become the traveller's sworn enemy, Lisbon led the way with 31.02 % delayed flights. The Portuguese capital followed airports such as Munich (29.92 %) and London Gatwick (28.80 %) in the unenviable list of delays. These figures testify to the complexity of timetable management and the repeated vagaries of the weather.
An update on the situation in France
In France, Clermont-Ferrand stands out for its worrying results, a small airport struggling to stem the 20.14 % of delays and 2.26 % of cancellations affecting its take-offs. Among the major hubs, Roissy-Charles de Gaulle has a delay rate of 26.71 %, putting it in fifth place in Europe.
Towards the necessary improvement in service quality
In terms of services, Berlin suffers from a poor reputation, scoring a mediocre 11.80/20. Comfort deficiencies abound, despite its vital role as an international crossroads. Even Frankfurtdespite being one of the worst cancellation rates in the world, managed to climb back up the slope with a score of 15.88/20, thanks to its range of services geared towards international travellers.
For some airports with a reputation for problematic operations, adjustments are necessary. This is essential, as recent reports estimate that ACI Europe calls for updated slot rules at European airportsunderlining the urgent need for logistical and strategic improvements.
20 European airports to avoid in 2024: our selection of the least recommended
| Airport | Reasons to avoid |
| Frankfurt | High cancellation rate of 2,48% |
| Munich | Nearly 30% of flights delayed |
| Berlin | Insufficient comfort |
| London Heathrow | Numerous operational constraints |
| Lisbon | 31.02% of delayed flights |
| London Gatwick | Challenges common to all major platforms |
| Amsterdam | Traffic density causing delays |
| Zurich | Despite top marks, frequent delays |
| Paris Roissy-CDG | Dense air traffic volumes |
| Dublin | Common flight delays |
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