Security accounted for a relatively low percentage—0.1%—of delay minutes for U.S. airlines last year. Security reasons range from an evacuation of a terminal or concourse, reboarding of aircraft because of security breach, inoperative screening equipment or long lines at screening areas in excess of 29 min.
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In 2014, delays due to extreme weather accounted for 4.3% of total delay minutes. Canceling flights due to weather is at the judgment of the carrier. Common causes of delays include tornados, blizzards and hurricanes.
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National Aviation System (NAS) delays refer to a broad set of conditions including non-extreme weather, airport operations, heavy traffic volume and air traffic control. In 2014, NAS accounted for 23.5% of total delay minutes.
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Air carrier delays were the second most common hold-up in 2014 and accounted for 30.2% of total delay minutes. These cancellations or delays are related to circumstances within the airline’s control, including maintenance or crew problems, aircraft cleaning, baggage loading and fueling.
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The most common cause of delays is late-arriving aircraft, which accounted for 41.9% of total tardiness minutes in 2014. This situation causes a ripple effect to other flights.
Here are the top five reasons for flight delays in the U.S. in 2014, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
