Top 10 European Destinations with Frequent Flight Delays

 Millions of Americans travel to Europe every year for their summer holidays. But lately, getting there has become harder. Flights across the Atlantic face more delays, cancellations, and missed connections than ever before.

The summer of 2025 set a record for flight disruptions across Europe. SkyRefund data, collected between June 1 and August 31, 2025, shows that some destinations were hit much harder than others. Let’s take a look at where travelers ran into the most problems.

European Destinations with Most Delays and Cancellations (Summer 2025)

SkyRefund’s data reflects the share of total compensation claims by Americans in European countries of departure. The following destinations recorded the highest number of flight delay and cancellations:

1. United Kingdom 

The UK is Europe’s top destination for flight delays. SkyRefund data shows that flights departing from the UK account for 15.1% of all claims submitted by American travelers. Heathrow and Gatwick are the main trouble spots, often dealing with congestion, bad weather, and delays that ripple across Europe.

SkyRefund’s legal counsel, Tsvetelina Botseva, advises passengers to choose morning departures from Heathrow, as they usually have the best on-time record.

2. Italy 

Italy’s rich culture, food, and scenery draw millions of US travelers each year. But airports like Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa often struggle during busy seasons. Italian flights account for 14.1% of all claims from American travelers, mainly due to air traffic strikes, overbookings, and weather-related issues in both summer and winter.

3. France

France remains one of the top European destinations for US travelers, but it also sees frequent flight disruptions. Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airport are among the most affected airports, often due to strikes and heavy traffic. The result is 12.8% of all claims from American travelers came from flights departing France.

4. Spain

Spain is another favorite for US travelers, especially during the summer. But with busy airports like Barcelona El Prat and Madrid Barajas, delays are common. Near 9% of all claims from American travelers came from flights departing Spain, often due to overcrowding, air traffic strikes, and extreme heat during peak months.

5. Greece

Greece is a dream destination for many US travelers, but it’s also one of the more challenging spots for airlines during the busy season. Around 5.9% of all claims from American travelers came from flights departing Greece. Airports in Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos often face delays caused by high traffic and limited runway capacity, especially in summer.

6. Portugal

Portugal has become increasingly popular among US travelers, but its airports also face growing pressure. SkyRefund data shows that 5.9% of all claims from American travelers came from flights departing Portugal. Lisbon and Porto are the main hotspots, often affected by overcrowding, weather issues, and tight flight schedules during the summer months.

7. Netherlands

The Netherlands is a major gateway for US travelers heading to Europe. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport handles huge passenger volumes every day, which often leads to delays. According to our data, 3.8% of all claims from American travelers came from flights departing the Netherlands, mostly due to staffing shortages and air traffic congestion.

8. Germany

Germany is another key hub for transatlantic travel, with major airports like Frankfurt and Munich serving as connection points for many US passengers. Americans submit 3.4% of all claims from American travelers came from flights departing Germany. Most disruptions are linked to tight transfer schedules, weather issues, and occasional technical delays.

9. Ireland

Ireland remains a popular entry point to Europe for many US travelers. Dublin Airport handles most transatlantic traffic, but it also sees its share of delays. Our data shows that 2.8% of all claims from American travelers came from flights departing Ireland, mainly due to weather conditions and busy summer schedules.

10. Serbia

Serbia is a smaller but growing destination for US travelers, with most flights passing through Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. Around 1.7% of all claims from American travelers came from flights departing Serbia. Delays there are often linked to tight flight schedules and limited airport capacity.

Reasons for Delayed Flights Between the US and Europe

From bad weather and crowded airports to strikes and staff shortages, there are plenty of reasons why flights between the US and Europe get disrupted.

Based on SkyRefund data, the most common causes include:

• Busy airports like Heathrow and Charles de Gaulle operating near full capacity
  
  
• Strikes by air traffic controllers or ground staff, especially in France and Italy
  
  
• Unpredictable weather, from London fog to Mediterranean storms
  
  
• Knock-on delays caused by late connecting flights
  
  

The Method Behind SkyRefund’s Ranking

Our ranking of the airlines with the most delays and cancellations this summer is based on SkyRefund’s internal data from June to August 2025, covering the peak travel season worldwide. We analyzed tens of thousands of flights reported by American travelers and verified the information using official airline and flight-tracking sources.

The ranking reflects how many American passengers experienced flight disruptions at their departure destinations across Europe. Airlines were ranked by the share of disrupted flights — those delayed by more than three hours, canceled within 14 days of departure, or cases of denied boarding.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed or canceled

When flying to a European country, you can claim up to $700 in compensation if your flight is delayed or canceled.

You’re protected under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261) if:

• Your flight departed from an EU airport, or
• You flew to the EU with an EU-based airline like British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, or Iberia.

With SkyRefund, you don’t have to deal with the paperwork yourself. We handle everything — from checking your eligibility to collecting your compensation without upfront fees.

Why SkyRefund?

SkyRefund is a flight compensation company that helps you claim what you’re owed when your flight is delayed or canceled — so your trip to Europe doesn’t have to be ruined.

Air passenger rights are strongly protected under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261) for flights departing from an EU country or operated by an EU airline. You can file a claim on your own, but SkyRefund makes the process faster, easier, and fully compliant with legal requirements.

With more than 8 years of experience, our mission is to help travelers get the compensation they deserve.

FAQs

Which are the European Countries with Most Flight Delays?

Together, the UK, Italy, and France account for over 40% of all SkyRefund claims, making them the clear leaders when it comes to disrupted flights.

When Do Most Flight Delays in Europe Happen?

Delays peak during the summer months (June to August) when travel demand is highest, and also around Christmas and New Year due to increased passenger volume and winter weather.

Are American Travelers Eligible for EU Flight Compensation?

Yes. Even if you’re not an EU citizen, you can claim up to $700 under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261) if your flight departed from the EU or was operated by an EU-based airline.

For flights within or departing from the United States, passengers are also protected under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, which require airlines to provide assistance and, in some cases, compensation for delays and cancellations.