Flight delays are often an unavoidable aspect of air travel, with weather being a significant contributing factor. According to 2022 data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), bad weather is responsible for 75.48% of delays in the U.S. airspace system that extend beyond 15 minutes. This statistic underscores the substantial impact that adverse weather conditions can have on air travel. Whether it’s heavy rain, snow, or strong winds, understanding how bad the weather has to be to delay a flight is crucial for both airlines and passengers. In this article, we’ll explore the various weather factors that can cause delays and what you should expect when faced with weather flight delays.

Weather Factors That Can Cause Flight Delays

Flight delays due to weather are a common occurrence and can significantly disrupt travel plans. Various weather conditions can create unsafe flying environments, leading to delays or even cancellations. These conditions affect visibility, aircraft performance, and runway safety, making it challenging for airlines to maintain their schedules. Below, we explore specific weather factors, including whether fog delays flights, and why they have such an impact on air travel.

Flying in Low Clouds

Low clouds can severely reduce visibility during takeoff, and landing while flying at lower altitudes. Pilots rely on visual cues to navigate the aircraft safely, especially during these critical phases of flight. When cloud cover is too low, it may become unsafe to proceed, leading to delays. Aircraft may need to wait for improved conditions or reroute to an alternative airport, causing further disruptions.

Flying in Fog

Fog, greatly impacting visibility, can also cause flight delays. It can obscure runways, taxiways, and other aircraft, making it difficult for pilots to operate safely. Airports may suspend operations until the fog clears, particularly in cases where Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) cannot fully compensate for the reduced visibility. This often results in delayed departures and arrivals.

Flying in Heavy Rain

Weather-related flight delays are often caused by heavy rain, which can pose multiple challenges for both pilots and airport operations. Rain can reduce visibility, making it harder for pilots to see the runway and other aircraft. Additionally, heavy rain can create slick runway surfaces, increasing the risk of hydroplaning during takeoff or landing. This situation can lead to delays as pilots and air traffic control wait for safer conditions, or even require aircraft to divert to other airports where weather conditions are better.

Flying in Strong Winds

Strong winds are another significant factor in flight delays due to weather. High wind speeds, especially crosswinds, make takeoff and landing extremely challenging by pushing the aircraft off course. Gusty winds can also cause turbulence, which, while not usually dangerous, can lead to a very uncomfortable flight experience. Airports may delay flights until the wind subsides to a safe level, particularly if wind speeds exceed safety protocols. For commercial aircraft, crosswinds of 30-35 knots (about 34-40 mph) are typically considered the upper limit for safe landings and takeoffs, depending on the aircraft type. If winds exceed this threshold, significant schedule disruptions can occur, especially in regions prone to high winds.

Flying in Snow or Ice

Flight delays due to weather are particularly common during the winter months when snow and ice become a concern. Snow can accumulate on runways, making them slippery and unsafe for takeoff and landing. Additionally, ice can form on aircraft surfaces, affecting the plane’s aerodynamics and increasing the risk of accidents. De-icing procedures are often required before a flight can depart, which can cause significant delays. Airports may also need to close runways temporarily to clear snow and ensure safe operations, further contributing to flights delayed due to weather.

Flying in Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are among the most dangerous weather conditions for air travel. Thunderstorms can produce severe turbulence, lightning strikes, and strong winds, all of which pose serious risks to aircraft. The presence of thunderstorms near an airport can halt all flight operations, as pilots avoid flying through these hazardous conditions. Additionally, thunderstorms can disrupt air traffic control systems, leading to delays even after the storm has passed. For these reasons, flights are often delayed or rerouted until it is safe to resume normal operations.

Flying in Sun and Heat

While it may seem surprising, extreme sun and heat can also contribute to weather delays in flights. High temperatures can affect aircraft performance, particularly during takeoff. Hot air is less dense than cooler air, which means that airplanes require longer runways to achieve the necessary lift. In some cases, especially at airports situated at higher altitudes, flights may be delayed until temperatures drop, or aircraft may need to reduce weight by limiting the number of passengers or cargo. These operational adjustments are necessary to ensure safety but can cause significant delays, particularly during heatwaves.

Statistics on Flight Delays due to Weather

To clarify the impact of various weather conditions on flight schedules, the table below summarizes the percentage of flights delayed by each factor:

Weather Condition	Percentage of Delays
Low Clouds	12%
Fog	8%
Heavy Rain	15%
Strong Winds	10%
Snow or Ice	20%
Thunderstorms	25%
Sun and Heat	5%

These statistics offer insights into how different weather conditions contribute to overall flight delays. Thunderstorms and snow or ice are among the leading causes, but other factors, such as heavy rain and strong winds, also play a significant role in disrupting flight schedules.

Do Airlines Compensate for Weather Delays?

Airlines typically do not provide compensation when a flight is disrupted by weather conditions. Events such as thunderstorms or snowstorms fall under “extraordinary circumstances,” meaning airlines aren’t required to compensate passengers. However, some airlines might still offer assistance, like meal vouchers or hotel accommodations during extended delays.

FAQ

Generally, airlines are not responsible for compensating passengers for weather-related delays. Since these delays are caused by factors outside the airline’s control, such as storms, fog, or snow, they are considered “extraordinary circumstances.” As a result, flight delay due to weather compensation is usually not offered. However, some airlines may still provide amenities like meal vouchers or accommodations depending on the length of the delay.

Several types of weather can delay a flight, including low clouds, fog, heavy rain, strong winds, snow, ice, and thunderstorms. Extreme heat can also affect flight schedules, especially at high-altitude airports. These conditions can reduce visibility, create unsafe runway conditions, or impact aircraft performance, leading to flight delays because of the weather.

To determine if the weather might affect your flight, check the weather forecast for both your departure and arrival locations. You can also monitor updates from the airline, which will inform you of any flight weather delays. Additionally, apps and websites that track flight statuses can alert you if your flight is likely to be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

There is no fixed time limit for how long a flight can be delayed due to bad weather. Delays can range from a few minutes to several hours, depending on how quickly conditions improve. In extreme cases, flights may be delayed overnight or even canceled. The duration of a delay largely depends on the severity and persistence of the weather conditions, as well as the ability of the airline and airport to safely resume operations.

How Bad Must Weather Be Before a Flight Is Delayed?