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Memorial Day weekend 2026 flight delays: press kit

Over Memorial Day weekend 2026 the on-time rate dropped to 74.2%, down 4.6 points from 78.8% in the fortnight either side. Beyond that, late flights averaged 72 minutes against 69 and cancellations came to 0.95% against 0.95%.

Five-point summary

• 74.2% of 79,261 flights arrived on time, against 78.8% in the two weeks either side (a measurable holiday effect).
• Cancellations: 0.95% against 0.95%. Delayed flights averaged 72 minutes late against 69.
• Worst day: Friday 22 May 2026, 71.0% on time.
• Largest airport decline against its own normal weeks: Atlanta (ATL), 82.1% to 61.6%.
• Best departure window: 5am–8am (88.2%). Most punctual large carrier: Alaska Airlines (83.2%).

Chart

Download the chart (PNG, 1200×630)

Data

Download every figure on the page (CSV): headline, day by day, departure windows, airports, airlines and the ten busiest routes, each against the two weeks either side of the holiday.

Cite as

Window: Friday 22 May 2026 to Monday 25 May 2026. On time means arriving less than 15 minutes after the scheduled gate time. Historical statistics, not a forecast. Source data is a US federal government work in the public domain.