Study Shows U.S. Airports With the Best Operational Performance Across Multiple Metrics

A new study has revealed Dulles International Airport as the best-performing major U.S. airport.

The research by luxury villa rental Cabo Villa Vegas Dave analyzed operational reports for the 30 major U.S. airports via the U.S. Department of Transportation, in the last quarter of 2024. It measured nine main operational metrics: punctuality, airline, weather, infrastructure, security, connections, cancellations, and rerouting, each representing key factors affecting airport performance and reliability. Each metric was scored and totaled to rank the airports from best to worst.

Dulles International Airport, Washington D.C. leads the rankings with an outstanding total score of 87.7/100. The airport shines with a perfect security delay score of 20/20, while also delivering robust on-time performance score (14.8/15) and competitive scores in air carrier delays (12.8/15), weather delays (7.9/10), and national aviation system delays (8.7/10).

Salt Lake City International Airport follows closely with a strong total score of 83.5/100. Achieving a perfect on-time score (15/15), national aviation system score (10/10), and cancellation score (10/10), it also demonstrates notable efficiency in managing flight diversions (9.4/10). 

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport secures third place with a total score of 79.9/100. It maintains a reliable on-time performance (14.6/15) and posts commendable scores in air carrier delays (12.4/15) and weather delay management (7.4/10).

Looking at the study, a spokesperson from Cabo Villa Vegas Dave commented:

“The research reveals that airports like Dulles, Salt Lake City, and Atlanta are setting the benchmark in operational efficiency. They excel in on-time departures and minimizing delays caused by air carriers, weather, and the national aviation system.

“Airports are critical to the travel experience, and it is important that they consistently secure every customer touch point to prevent issues stemming from poor service.

“We also encourage passengers to cooperate with the airport staff, which allows them to focus on providing the best possible service and avoid unnecessary delays.”

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport earns a respectable total score of 74.5/100. With strong on-time (14.6/100) and cancellation performance (8.6/10), the airport effectively manages air carrier delays (10/10), and national aviation system delays (8.4/10). However, the airport struggles with weather-related delays (2/10).

Denver International Airport rounds out the top five with a total score of 73.8/100. The facility demonstrates a balanced performance across key metrics — scoring (14.3/15) for on-time performance, (10.8/15)  in air carrier and (7.6/10) weather delays — though it faces some challenges in diversions (5.5/10) and late arrival (5.2/10) rates.

Table of Extended Results

Five Worst U.S. Airports by Operational Performance

At the bottom of the list, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport registers a low total score of 40.2/100. The airport struggles with air carrier delays (7.5/15) and scores 0/10 for weather-related delays and aircraft arrival metrics.

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport comes next with a total score of 41.1/100. It faces notable difficulties in managing air carrier delays (0/10) and cancellations (4.8/10), with particularly low scores in security delay management (2/10), impacting overall efficiency.

Miami International Airport records a total score of 45.8/100. While its on-time performance is moderate (13.4/15), higher cancellation (4.5/10) and diverted percentages (3.6/10) reveal operational inefficiencies.

“The study reveals a stark contrast in operational performance among today’s major airports. Notably, four out of the five worst-performing airports are in Florida, which may be attributed to factors such as seasonal travel surges, weather-related disruptions, and infrastructural or staffing challenges. 

“While the top-ranked facilities set a high standard for efficiency and punctuality, the bottom-ranked airports must address these operational hurdles to enhance traveler satisfaction,” says the spokesperson from Cabo Villa Vegas Dave.

Tampa International Airport also scores 45.8/100, reflecting challenges in security delay (10/20) and air carrier delay management (1.6/15). The airport’s lower scores in handling cancellations (0.9/10) and diversions (3.6/10) underscore the need for significant improvements in its operational processes.

Orlando International Airport rounds out the bottom five with a total score of 48.9/100. Its relatively low performance across air carrier delay (3.8/15), aircraft delay (0.8/10), and cancellation metrics (3.5/10) points to critical areas where operational enhancements are essential.

Table of Extended Results

The study was conducted by Cabo Villa Vegas Dave, a luxury villa rental company that elevates the standards of Cabo San Lucas with unmatched exclusivity and exceptional service. Their villas often host celebrities and provide an extraordinary experience that goes beyond mere accommodations.