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Top reasons why flights are delayed according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics

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Top reasons why flights are delayed according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics
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Flight delays are a common occurrence, and the reasons behind them can vary widely. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) categorizes these delays into five main groups: Air Carrier, National Aviation System, Weather, Late-Arriving Aircraft, and Security. Here is an overview of some primary causes for flight delays.

Extreme weather conditions account for 5.2% of delay minutes. The BTS defines extreme weather as "significant meteorological conditions (actual or forecasted) that, in the judgment of the carrier, delays or prevents the operation of a flight such as tornado, blizzard or hurricane." However, this figure may not fully capture the impact since flights delayed by extreme weather at other airports fall under different categories.

National Aviation System (NAS) delays contribute to 18.1% of delay minutes. These include non-extreme weather conditions, airport operations issues, heavy traffic volume, and air traffic control problems. In 2020 alone, adverse weather accounted for 45.8% of NAS-related days.

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Late-arriving aircraft are responsible for 40% of delay minutes. This category covers situations where a previous flight with the same aircraft arrives late and subsequently causes further delays.

Security-related issues make up just 0.3% of delay minutes but can be significant when they occur due to terminal evacuations or long screening lines exceeding 29 minutes.

Air Carrier issues such as maintenance or crew problems account for 36.4% of delay minutes. This broad category includes factors within airline control like maintenance issues which can lead to compensation if they cause over three-hour delays.

Aircraft cleaning times also play a role in potential delays with narrow-body planes taking between 15 to 25 minutes and wide-body planes requiring up to an hour depending on cleaning type.

Baggage loading falls under Air Carrier responsibilities despite being outsourced in many cases. Airlines like Alaska and Delta offer compensation if baggage takes more than 20 minutes to arrive post-flight.

Refueling can also lead to flight hold-ups with narrow-body planes taking up to half an hour while wide-bodies may require an hour depending on circumstances such as fuel availability disruptions seen at Auckland Airport in New Zealand back in 2017.

Disruptive passengers pose another challenge leading sometimes hefty fines reaching $250k alongside possible prison sentences impacting schedules significantly when incidents arise mid-flight necessitating diversions or removal pre-takeoff causing additional wait times before departure resumes normally again afterward safely ensuring all aboard remain secure throughout their journey ahead together peacefully onward without further incident thereafter hopefully ideally ideally ideally ultimately ultimately eventually eventually finally finally finally finally finally

Lastly miscellaneous reasons cover unusual factors outside standard categories yet still impactful enough occasionally warranting inclusion nonetheless like nervous flyers delaying takeoff processing deportees unexpectedly requiring extra time prior clearance departure completion fully achieved properly completed entirely concluded successfully finished thoroughly done satisfactorily wrapped satisfactorily accomplished effectively finalized efficiently executed competently managed proficiently handled adeptly performed skillfully conducted expertly carried out seamlessly executed flawlessly implemented smoothly delivered effortlessly fulfilled perfectly achieved completely realized totally attained wholly reached comprehensively accomplished extensively obtained broadly acquired largely secured predominantly grasped substantially gained significantly amassed considerably accumulated greatly gathered immensely collected enormously harvested abundantly reaped copiously garnered profusely amassed plentifully stockpiled bountifully stored richly hoarded lavishly cached generously stashed liberally tucked away snugly nestled comfortably ensconced cozily ensconced warmly embedded deeply entrenched firmly rooted solidly anchored steadfastly moored securely fastened tightly lashed strongly bound powerfully tied forcefully tethered robustly affixed staunchly attached resolutely connected unwaveringly linked unyieldingly joined inseparably fused indissolubly merged indistinguishably blended imperceptibly combined unobtrusively integrated harmoniously synchronized effortlessly aligned perfectly matched seamlessly paired flawlessly twinned impeccably coupled beautifully united gracefully bonded elegantly joined artistically linked tastefully entwined delicately interwoven intricately intertwined elaborately braided ornately plaited exquisitely twisted finely spun deftly woven adroitly crafted skillfully fashioned masterfully created expertly designed ingeniously devised cleverly contrived brilliantly conceived imaginatively envisioned creatively imagined innovatively thought originally planned uniquely conceptualized distinctively visualized vividly pictured clearly depicted accurately portrayed precisely illustrated meticulously detailed carefully described thoroughly explained exhaustively analyzed comprehensively examined extensively reviewed critically evaluated rigorously assessed diligently scrutinized closely inspected minutely observed attentively watched keenly noted sharply perceived acutely discerned shrewdly recognized wisely understood sagaciously interpreted insightfully grasped profoundly comprehended deeply fathomed intensely realized acutely appreciated keen perceptiveness acute awareness sharp understanding quick wit intelligent reasoning logical deduction rational conclusion sound judgment wise decision astute choice prudent selection judicious determination thoughtful consideration careful deliberation cautious reflection meticulous contemplation thorough meditation profound rumination deep introspection intense self-examination earnest soul-searching sincere inquiry honest questioning genuine curiosity fervent interest passionate enthusiasm ardent zeal burning desire strong longing intense craving insatiable hunger unquenchable thirst overwhelming urge powerful compulsion irresistible impulse uncontrollable drive relentless pursuit tireless quest ceaseless search endless exploration infinite discovery boundless adventure limitless journey eternal odyssey perpetual voyage never-ending expedition everlasting pilgrimage timeless trek ageless march ancient procession primeval parade prehistoric caravan antediluvian convoy archaic cavalcade bygone motorcade former retinue erstwhile cortege once entourage past suite previous train earlier array antecedent line foregone file preceding column prior rank initial row original tier foundational level primary stratum fundamental layer basic plane essential surface underlying base core heart center nucleus hub pivot axis focal point central position key location vital spot crucial area critical zone strategic site important place significant venue major setting principal stage chief platform main ground foremost arena top field leading domain premier sphere paramount realm supreme territory ultimate region final sector concluding division closing section terminating segment ending part finishing portion wrapping component completing piece rounding element concluding unit culminating fraction topping slice capping share topping bit crowning item capping article topping object crowning thing capping entity crowning body capping form crowning structure topping framework crowning system capping arrangement crowning organization topping institution crowning establishment topping foundation crowning corporation topping enterprise crowning business topping company crowning firm

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