Arizona travelers frequently waited out airline delays in 2025

Mark Moran
01 Jun 2026, 05:46 GMT+10

The nation’s largest air carriers canceled more than 100,000 flights last year, forcing Arizona travelers to endure long delays, according to a new report from the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund.

The group’s annual airline industry performance report, The Plane Truth, says more than 1.6 million flights were canceled, delayed or rerouted, largely because of tight scheduling that left little margin for error.

Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog director for the fund, said on-time performance in 2025 was the worst it has been in 11 years.

“Cancellations were up, delays were up,” Murray explained. “Tarmac delays, when you’re stuck on the tarmac for three hours or more, those were up. Interestingly, passenger volume was actually down in 2025, and the volume of checked baggage was down by an even greater percentage.”

Murray pointed out it may mean travelers are taking shorter trips with less luggage, or trying to fit more items into carry-ons to avoid checking bags.

She added conditions are not likely to improve for travelers this summer because of the demise of Spirit Airlines, which went out of business last month. Murray noted actions by the Federal Aviation Administration and air carriers also are limiting options for passengers.

“They’re cutting flights, figure they want to have fewer flights with more butts in the seats and make things more profitable for them,” Murray said. “So we are anticipating that it could be kind of a stressful summer.”

The Public Interest Research Group has developed a pre-travel online flight tip guide available for air travelers before they head to the airport.

Source: Public News Service

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