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New data reveals a significant rise in flight delays at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Through February 2025, over 20% of flights departing from the airport experienced delays, marking a 15% increase compared to the same period in 2024. A flight is classified as delayed if it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
The airport handled 1,774 flights in January and February, with 1,338 on time, 363 delayed, and 73 canceled. The cancellation rate also rose to 4.11% from 1.62% in 2024. Syracuse's delay percentage is the second-highest since 2016, with only 2022 recording a higher rate at 20.9%.
The increase in delays is partly due to airlines shifting away from smaller regional airports, leading to more traffic at Syracuse. Additionally, the airport anticipates further growth in passenger numbers with Micron Technology's plans to build computer memory chip plants nearby, prompting expansion plans.
Syracuse.com reports that overall in 2024, 16.47% of flights were delayed, slightly down from 16.94% in 2023. The rising trend in delays poses challenges for the airport as it prepares for increased traffic in the coming years.