Seven Greek Resort Airports Make Europe’s Worst List for Flight Delays

Flight Delays Plague Greek Holiday Airports

According to УНІАН — Туризм: An analysis by AirAdvisor covering June through September 2025 reveals that seven airports in Greek resort areas rank among Europe’s worst for extended flight delays. The study looked at delays exceeding 60 minutes. Topping the list was Italy’s Milan-Bergamo airport, where 11.96% of flights were delayed.

Seven Greek airports made the top 20 for the highest delay rates:

• Cephalonia (11.79%)
• Corfu (9.54%)
• Zakynthos (8.48%)
• Chania (8.33%)
• Kos (7.72%)
• Rhodes (7.68%)
• Mykonos (6.95%)

France’s Nice airport came in second with 11.92% of flights delayed, while Italy’s Pisa airport ranked fourth at 10.58%. Other airports with notable delay percentages include Palma de Mallorca (Spain, 9.33%), Reus (Spain, 9.13%), and Ponta Delgada in Portugal’s Azores (9.08%).

What’s Behind the Delays and What It Means for Travelers

Several factors contributed to the summer 2025 disruptions: overcrowding at small regional airports, the EU’s new border control system, and a fuel crisis triggered by the war in Iran. If a flight is delayed by more than three hours or canceled, passengers are entitled to compensation.

Despite the enduring popularity of Greek resorts, the rise in flight delays could dampen tourist traffic to the region. This may also reduce visitor satisfaction, potentially impacting Greece’s tourism-dependent economy. As competition in the travel market intensifies, Greek airports must find ways to improve service and cut delays to remain attractive to travelers.

As travelers plan their trips to Greece, understanding the implications of these delays is crucial. While the allure of the Greek islands remains strong, it's important to stay informed about upcoming travel trends and costs for 2026, which could affect your holiday experience. Being aware of potential challenges can help ensure a smoother journey to your desired destination.