Newark Liberty International Joins John F. Kennedy, Chicago O’Hare, Paris Orly, Milan Malpensa and More in Listing Most Stressful Airports of the World, New Update is Here

Newark Liberty International has joined John F. Kennedy, Chicago O’Hare, Paris Orly, and Milan Malpensa in being listed among the most stressful airports in the world. This latest ranking reveals that Newark Liberty, already notorious for its high traffic congestion and frequent delays, shares the spotlight with other major airports like JFK and O’Hare, which have long struggled with operational challenges.
With Paris Orly and Milan Malpensa also included, this list highlights global hubs that leave passengers frustrated. As air travel continues to grow, Newark Liberty joins these stress-filled airports where travelers face unpredictable delays, overcrowded terminals, and long security lines. Stay tuned to discover why these stressful airports are causing chaos for passengers and what you can do to prepare for your next journey. Don’t miss this crucial update!
Newark Liberty, JFK, Chicago O’Hare, Orly, and Malpensa: The World’s Most Stressful Airports
In the world of travel, airport stress is a well-known phenomenon. For passengers, navigating busy terminals, waiting in long queues, and enduring delays can make flying feel more like a nightmare than an adventure. But what if you knew the most stressful airports in the world? What if your airport was on the list? Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy, Chicago O’Hare, Paris Orly, and Milan Malpensa are consistently ranked among the most stressful airports in the world. But what exactly makes these airports so stressful, and why do they top the lists year after year? We’ve gathered the facts from official government sources and expert analyses to help you understand why some airports create chaos for travelers.
Newark Liberty Airport: The Worst of the Worst for U.S. Travelers
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is often dubbed as the most stressful airport in the world. This isn’t just based on personal opinions; official delay data from sources like the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) clearly shows why Newark’s passengers suffer. With one of the lowest on-time performance rates in the U.S., EWR has built a reputation for delayed departures, chaotic security lines, and long wait times. The airport’s high passenger volume only adds to the stress, particularly during busy travel seasons.
The FAA has even had to impose arrival and departure rate limits at Newark to ease congestion and improve operational efficiency. This drastic measure is necessary because the airport is overburdened by heavy air traffic. The situation is so intense that passengers routinely experience delays lasting up to three hours, sometimes even more. This is not just an inconvenience; it is a major stressor for anyone trying to make a tight connection or reach their destination on time.
Newark Liberty doesn’t just rank poorly for delays; it’s also the top airport where baggage handling issues are frequently reported. Delays and missed bags are a traveller’s worst nightmare, and EWR is unfortunately no stranger to these problems. With such consistent issues, EWR continues to be one of the most dreaded airports in the United States.
John F. Kennedy International: Another U.S. Airport Fighting Stress
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is another major U.S. airport that regularly makes the top stress rankings. Known for its complicated terminal layouts and the massive number of international flights, JFK suffers from constant overcrowding and long wait times. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, JFK’s on-time performance often lags behind many other major U.S. airports.
Severe weather events, especially in winter, contribute significantly to delays. For example, during the December 2025 snowstorm, JFK saw passengers stranded for hours on the tarmac, which only added to the mounting frustration. Long security lines, missed connections, and cancelled flights further elevate JFK’s status as one of the most stressful airports to travel through. These issues aren’t a rare occurrence; they’re often the reality for travelers at JFK, especially during peak travel times.
JFK has earned a spot on the stressful airports list due to its sheer volume of traffic and the difficulties inherent in managing such a large hub. Though it serves as a gateway for countless international flights, it has yet to master the art of balancing efficiency with the overwhelming demand placed on it.
Chicago O’Hare: The Burden of Being a Hub for Everything
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is another U.S. airport that suffers from high stress levels. As one of the busiest airports in the world, ORD faces constant congestion, with passengers regularly experiencing long wait times, flight delays, and air traffic issues. According to government data, O’Hare’s on-time performance is one of the lowest in the nation, and its traffic volume is a big reason why.
The airport’s delay rates are directly tied to its sheer size. Managing hundreds of flights daily at a congested hub like O’Hare means inevitable disruptions. The airport has become infamous for its delayed departures and missed connections, making it one of the most stressful airports in the world to navigate.
Despite efforts to improve, O’Hare remains a choke point for many airlines and passengers, leaving frustrated travellers stuck in long lines and overcrowded terminals. The constant battle against delay and congestion means O’Hare isn’t likely to lose its place on the stressful airport rankings any time soon.
Paris Orly: Stress in the City of Love
While Paris Orly Airport (ORY) may not be the first airport that comes to mind when you think of stressful travel experiences, it certainly ranks among the top for many reasons. Passengers complain about long security lines, complicated terminal navigation, and the often poor customer service at the airport. According to eurocontrol, Orly’s punctuality rates vary, but it’s still regularly cited in global surveys as one of the most stressful airports due to these persistent operational challenges.
Orly’s position as a major European hub means that it’s frequently overcrowded, especially during peak travel seasons. This, combined with its complex layout and frequent delays, makes it one of the most stress-inducing airports to pass through. For those traveling to Paris, the stress starts before they even land.
Milan Malpensa: Stress Behind the Fashion Forward City
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is another airport that consistently ranks highly for stress. While it’s a crucial gateway for international flights, its delayed departures and disrupted services make it an uncomfortable place to fly in and out of. Independent traveller surveys report that long security queues, baggage handling delays, and complex terminal transfers are among the top stressors.
Though official reports from eurocontrol show that Malpensa’s punctuality rates align closely with European averages, the airport still suffers from high passenger complaints regarding overall service quality. From missed flights to overcrowded terminals, the experience at MXP can often feel overwhelming for passengers trying to catch their next connection.
While Milan Malpensa doesn’t face the same volume of traffic as New York or Chicago, it still has its fair share of operational headaches that contribute to passenger stress.
Why These Airports Are Stressful: The Underlying Factors
The common thread tying together these airports is their high traffic volume and the operational strain that comes with managing a large number of flights and passengers. Factors such as delayed departures, staffing shortages, and weather disruptions all play a significant role in the overall stressful experience at these airports.
Government data shows that the air traffic control staffing issues and flight cuts imposed by the FAA have had a direct impact on delay rates at many major U.S. hubs, including Newark and Chicago O’Hare.
With airports like Newark, JFK, ORD, Orly, and Malpensa struggling to meet the demands of increased air traffic, passengers are left facing the fallout: long delays, cancelled flights, and stressful security experiences.
Navigating the Stress
Despite all these stressors, it’s important to note that these airports are not alone. Many airports worldwide are facing similar challenges, and efforts to alleviate airport stress are ongoing. While delays and cancellations remain a significant issue, improvements in airport technology, staffing and processes are helping to mitigate the stress and improve overall passenger experience.
Travellers should be prepared for these challenges and plan accordingly, whether that means arriving early, checking the latest flight statuses, or simply mentally preparing for the stress these airports might cause.
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