The Most At-Risk Flights in Europe for the Week of September 21, 2026
This week, the average risk level associated with flights showed a particular concentration at some strategic airports and routes. As usual, we analyze in detail the most relevant data and offer useful advice for those who need to travel.
Airports with the Highest Average Risk
Surprisingly, among the top ten airports with the highest average risk this week, many are not the expected main European hubs but regional and less busy airports, such as Devils Lake Regional Airport (DVL) and Hays Regional Airport (HYS). These airports feature average risk scores above 40 points, highlighting specific issues such as variable weather conditions, air traffic control limitations, and in some cases, airport staff strikes.
Here are the details for the top three airports with the highest risk:
- Devils Lake Regional Airport (DVL): score 49.7, 3 routes
- Hays Regional Airport (HYS): score 46.3, 4 routes
- Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH): score 46.2, 5 routes
The presence of adverse weather conditions, such as persistent fog and turbulence, is strongly impacting operations at these smaller airports. Additionally, capacity issues in air traffic control (ATC) contribute to uncertainty, increasing the risk of delays and cancellations.
Larger airports like Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE), despite having a large number of routes (81), show a lower risk score (34.3), thanks to better infrastructure and traffic management.
Most At-Risk Routes
Moving to routes, the ranking is led by flights connecting airports with heavy traffic and some difficult operational conditions:
| Route | Score |
|---|---|
| DTW -> SAW | 56.4 |
| ILM -> DEN | 56.4 |
| MCO -> MYR | 55.8 |
| IMT -> DTW | 55.2 |
| CPT -> IAD | 54.6 |
| MSY -> CMH | 53.8 |
| HNL -> ONT | 53.6 |
| PHL -> PNS | 52.6 |
| IAH -> SLN | 52.4 |
| LGA -> ALB | 51.8 |
These routes are characterized by periods of airport congestion, complex weather conditions, or unexpected events such as strikes or technical problems. For example, the route IMT -> DTW involves Ford Airport (IMT) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). The traffic complexity at DTW, combined with variable atmospheric conditions, contributes to a higher risk.
Why Are Certain Airports and Routes More At Risk?
- Adverse weather conditions: fog, strong wind, rain, and turbulence can cause delays and cancellations.
- Air traffic control (ATC) limitations: airports with limited capacity or congestion in traffic control are more vulnerable.
- Strikes and labor issues: some airports face staff protests affecting ground services and flight operations.
- Limited infrastructure: regional airports with few runways and services sometimes face more difficulties managing unforeseen events.
Practical Advice for Travelers
- Always check the flight status in advance: use our real-time updated flight tracking tool on FlightGuard.
- Arrive early at the airport: considering the higher risk, plan extra time for check-in and security checks.
- Prepare a plan B: in case of delays or cancellations, be ready with alternative options such as different flights or trains.
- Monitor airline notifications: last-minute changes often come via app or SMS.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance: a small investment that can save many troubles in case of disruptions.
Focus on European Airports
Although the general ranking features airports not always European, it is important to note that airports such as Fiumicino (FCO) and London Heathrow (LHR), while not appearing in the top 10, continue to face pressure related to traffic volume and operational complexity. We always recommend travelers transiting through these hubs to carefully check flight status and be prepared for possible unexpected delays.
The Role of Low-Cost Airlines
Airlines like Ryanair (FR) and EasyJet (U2) operate numerous routes from smaller airports, sometimes more prone to delays. Travelers flying with these carriers would do well to regularly monitor flight status.
Sources
The data used for this report have been collected from FlightGuard analyses and reliable air traffic monitoring sources:
Want to know if your next flight is at risk? Check your flight risk on FlightGuard.
