PSA: the 5 major airports to avoid in 2026 if you value your sanity
Travellers today expect airports to have kept pace with modern times. However, the frustration stems from the fact that some airports are still lagging.
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Flying brings its own set of anxieties - the lengthy check-in wait, the frenetic sprint to the boarding gate, and the eternal debate over fitting in a bathroom break or a bite to eat. These familiar pressures are well-known to those who travel often.
The experience can be effortless or a nightmare, depending on your departure point.
Based on data from TravelTourister and FlightQueue, among others, these airports are identified and flagged as the world's worst when it comes to your stress levels.
While encountering these airports during your travels may be inevitable, being aware of them beforehand could be beneficial.
Few things frustrate travellers as much as a flight delay.
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Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
This New Jersey airport is notorious for severe delays and disruptions, holding one of the highest rates for flight delays and cancellations.
High passenger numbers exacerbate challenges, creating bottlenecks at security, immigration, and baggage claim.
Although Terminal A is modern, the rest of the airport has drawn criticism for several reasons: its outdated facilities, limited choice of amenities, and difficult navigation.
Managing your expectations is recommended if you're trying to avoid massive crowds and constant delays.
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
This airport shares the same poor ratings as the previous one regarding punctuality and service quality. Furthermore, the reintroduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)earlier this year aggravated the situation, resulting in significant delays, with passenger wait times spanning from two to six hours.
Overcrowding is another point of contention.
While Terminal 2 received an upgrade earlier this year, Terminal 1 is set to undergo a €233 million (R4.5 billion) upgrade.
It is hoped these future developments will improve the airport's dire situation.
Manchester Airport (MAN)
Despite the airport's overall reputation, Terminal 2 deserves credit. Since its 2021 extension, it has been praised for featuring state-of-the-art technology, modern decor and bright lighting.
That said, the problem lies in Terminal 1 and 3.
In January, Condé Nast Traveller ranked it as the third most stressful airport.
The airport is plagued by poor baggage handling, a general state of disorganisation that results in chaos, and staff buckling under the strain of severe overcrowding.
With Terminal 1 closing for upgrades, it compounded operational measures for travellers.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
There is some good news, firstly. The airport is undergoing a multi-billion-dollar redevelopment.
Current travellers still face significant hurdles, including customs backlogs, inadequate seating, and serious bathroom hygiene concerns in Terminal 1 and sections of Terminal 7.
Also, the lack of smooth connectivity between terminals is a problem.
The good news is that there is a silver lining: Phase one of the new Terminal 1 is set to launch in June, introducing 14 new gates. This will be followed later this year by the opening of new gates in Terminal 6.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Transfers are notoriously difficult due to the airport's design, which complicates the journey from the domestic terminals to the recently expanded Terminal 5, much to the travellers' inconvenience.
Compounding the frustration are the absurd parking fees and ongoing staffing shortages.