With summer rapidly approaching many will be planning getaways. But which airports might be best to avoid during the busy travel season?
To uncover the answer, the Experts at Northerner sought to find out which European airports have the worst record for delays. The total minutes of pre-departure delays across 2020-2025 were divided by the number of reported departures to obtain an average delay time in minutes for each airport. The data was then further broken down by the year and country for a more detailed overview.
Europe’s Top 10 Worst Airports for Delays, Revealed
| Rank | Airports | Country | Average delay per pre departure (min) | Number of departures | Travel Disruption Score /10 |
| 1 | Luxembourg (ELLX) | Luxembourg | 48.8 | 152,702 | 9.89 |
| 2 | Naples (LIRN) | Italy | 27.5 | 171,977 | 9.79 |
| 3 | Mohammed V International (GMMN) | Morocco | 26.4 | 17,499 | 9.68 |
| 4 | Torino Caselle (LIMF) | Italy | 23.3 | 77,002 | 9.57 |
| 5 | Milan – Malpensa (LIMC) | Italy | 22.6 | 414,538 | 9.47 |
| 6 | Amsterdam – Schiphol (EHAM) | Netherlands | 22.2 | 954,536 | 9.36 |
| 7 | Menara (GMMX) | Morocco | 19.5 | 13,690 | 9.26 |
| 8 | Nuremberg (EDDN) | Germany | 19.3 | 80,440 | 9.15 |
| 9 | Birmingham (EGBB) | United Kingdom | 19 | 167,112 | 9.04 |
| 10 | Budapest – Ferihegy (LHBP) | Hungary | 18.9 | 220,981 | 8.94 |
Please see the full data here.
- Luxembourg (ELLX), Luxembourg
Luxembourg (ELLX) has been crowned the worst airport in Europe for delays with an abysmal Travel Disruption Score of 9.89/10. As the country’s sole international airport, and with 152,702 daily departures, all travellers entering Luxembourg rely on it. Alarmingly, you can expect a nearly 50 minute average delay time when travelling through this airport. While Luxembourg may not be a top summer holiday destination, it still draws a steady flow of visitors seeking its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and cultural experiences.
- Naples (LIRN), France
In second position is Naples (LIRN) with a disappointing Travel Disruption Score of 9.79/10. This airport is the fourth busiest airport in Italy and the busiest airport in southern Italy with 171,977 daily departures. With Naples serving as a gateway to popular summer hotspots like the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Pompeii, it might come as no surprise that travellers can expect an average delay of 27.5 minutes when flying through this airport during the summer season.
- Mohammed V International (GMMN), Morocco
Following in third place is Morocco’s busiest airport, Mohammed V International, with an unenviable Travel Disruption Score of 9.68/10. Travellers can expect an average delay of 26.5 minutes, making it one to possibly avoid. That said, the overall volume of traffic is lower compared to other top offenders, with just 17,499 departures a day.
With Morocco remaining a popular summer destination thanks to its mix of culture, coastlines, and warm weather, this could spell inconvenience for holidaymakers flying through one of its main international gateways.
- Torino Caselle (LIMF), Italy
In fourth place is Torino Caselle (LIMF) in Italy, with a troubling Travel Disruption Score of 9.57/10, making it one of Europe’s poorest-performing airports in terms of punctuality. There are 77,002 departures daily, and travellers can expect an average delay of 23.3 minutes – enough to turn a smooth connection into a stressful travel experience.
While Turin is better known for its winter sports access, it also serves as a gateway to Italy’s picturesque Piedmont region, attracting summer visitors with its rolling vineyards, historic charm, and culinary appeal.
- Milan – Malpensa (LIMC), Italy
Rounding off the top 5 is Milan – Malpensa (LIMC) with a Travel Disruption Score of 9.47/10 and 414,538 departures everyday. When travelling through this airport you can expect a flight delay of 22.6 minutes.
As one of Italy’s busiest international gateways, Malpensa plays a major role in summer travel, particularly for those heading to the fashion capital of Milan, the Italian Lakes region, or transiting through Europe. The airport is a hub for several major airlines, including ITA Airways and easyJet, and sees a spike in traffic during the warmer months.
