Which European Airports Are Best to Avoid in the Summer of 2026: A List of Those with the Highest Risk of Delays

Summer is traditionally the busiest season for European airports, but in 2026, the situation could prove particularly challenging. Experts are already warning of possible flight delays, long lines, and overcrowding at certain transportation hubs. Learn more about which European airports are likely to cause the most problems for travelers this summer and how to prepare for your trip

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Millions of tourists travel to Europe during the summer months, which traditionally puts additional strain on airports. This year, other factors are compounding the seasonal increase in passenger traffic: staff shortages in some countries, overcrowding at popular tourist destinations, and the gradual implementation of new border control procedures.

Travel expert Simon Calder has identified several major European airports where travelers may encounter particularly long lines and delays this summer. Some of these are key transportation hubs for international flights, so the issues could affect not only passengers traveling to these cities but also those making connections.

Here’s why difficulties are expected at certain European airports and what you should keep in mind before your trip.

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Why are problems expected at European airports in the summer of 2026?

The European aviation industry continues to recover from the pandemic while simultaneously facing record-high demand for travel. According to forecasts by industry organizations, many popular destinations may set new passenger records this summer.

Staff shortages at airports, security checkpoints, and air traffic control centers are creating additional pressure. Even minor disruptions at major transportation hubs can trigger a chain reaction of delays across Europe.

Strikes by transportation and aviation workers remain a separate risk factor. In previous years, such strikes led to massive flight cancellations in France, Germany, Italy, and other EU countries.

In addition, experts point to the gradual implementation of the new EES (Entry/Exit System), which is intended to strengthen controls at the Schengen Area’s external borders. During its initial months of operation, the system may increase the time required to complete border procedures at certain airports.

As a result, travelers are advised to check their flight status in advance, arrive at airports earlier, and plan layovers through major European hubs with particular care.

In a previous article, we discussed Europe’s “trap airports”—the destinations where travelers actually end up after purchasing cheap airline tickets.

Which European airports are best to avoid this summer?

Travel expert Simon Calder has identified several major European airports where travelers may face the greatest challenges this summer. This isn’t about danger to passengers, but rather an increased risk of long lines, flight delays, and connection issues. Most of these airports are key European transportation hubs, so even minor disruptions can quickly affect thousands of travelers.

Lisbon Airport, Portugal

Portugal’s capital airport has been on the list of Europe’s most congested airports for several years in a row. The country’s tourism boom has caused the airport’s infrastructure to operate nearly at its capacity limits.

The greatest difficulties arise during passport control, especially for passengers from countries outside the Schengen Area. During peak hours, lines can be very long, and delays often affect connecting flights and onward journeys.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

France’s largest airport remains one of Europe’s busiest transportation hubs. Due to the huge number of international flights, even minor operational issues can cause delays across various terminals.

Passengers with short layovers should be especially careful. Due to the long distances between different areas of the airport and significant lines at security, even the officially allowed layover time may sometimes prove insufficient.

Frankfurt Airport, Germany

Frankfurt is one of Europe’s major aviation hubs and a key hub for transatlantic and intercontinental flights. That is why any congestion here quickly affects the entire network of connections.

Experts warn that during peak periods, passengers may face longer security lines and flight delays, especially during the summer vacation season.

Milan Malpensa Airport, Italy

Malpensa is the main air gateway to northern Italy and a popular destination for tourists heading to Milan, Lake Como, and other popular regions of the country.

Passenger traffic here increases sharply in the summer, which can lead to delays during check-in, security screening, and baggage claim. The situation can be particularly challenging on weekends and holidays.

Copenhagen Airport, Denmark

Despite its reputation as a well-organized airport, Copenhagen has also made the list of problematic destinations this summer. The reason lies in the high volume of international flights and the large number of transit passengers.

For travelers, this means it’s important to allow extra time when planning connections, especially if the itinerary involves going through multiple security checkpoints or changing terminals.

In a previous article, we reported that Ryanair is launching new routes from Warsaw and Bratislava.

Which popular tourist destinations are likely to be affected the most?

Operational issues at major airports are rarely limited to a single city. Since most of them serve as key hubs, delays can impact flights to dozens of popular tourist destinations across Europe.

Passengers traveling to Portugal may face the greatest risks this summer. Lisbon is the country’s main international gateway, so airport congestion could affect travel not only to the capital but also to the Algarve, Porto, Madeira, and the Azores.

Tourists heading to France may also encounter difficulties. A significant portion of the country’s international traffic passes through Charles de Gaulle Airport, so delays could affect routes to Paris, the French Riviera, Lyon, and other popular regions.

In Italy, special attention should be paid to flights to Milan and the northern part of the country. It is through Malpensa that many tourists travel to Lake Como, Verona, Turin, and the ski resorts of the Alpine region.

Frankfurt and Copenhagen, in turn, play an important role as transit hubs. Even if your final destination is Spain, Greece, Norway, or another European country, a delay at one of these airports could result in a missed connection and changes to your entire itinerary.

That is why travelers are advised not only to check the situation at their arrival airport but also to pay attention to all transit points along their journey. During the summer season, even a few hours of delay at a single major hub can affect thousands of flights across Europe.

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Can you receive compensation for a flight delay or cancellation?

Passengers traveling to EU countries or departing from EU airports are, in many cases, protected by EU regulations on air passenger rights. If a flight is significantly delayed or canceled, travelers may be entitled to assistance from the airline and, in some cases, monetary compensation.

The right to compensation depends on the cause of the delay. If the problem arose due to circumstances within the airline’s control—such as technical malfunctions or operational issues—the passenger may be entitled to compensation. However, compensation is generally not provided in cases of adverse weather conditions, political instability, air traffic controller strikes, or other extraordinary circumstances.

In addition to financial compensation, the airline is required to provide passengers with necessary assistance during a long wait. Depending on the situation, this may include meals, beverages, access to communication facilities, and, if necessary, hotel accommodations and transportation.

If a passenger misses a connecting flight booked as part of the same reservation due to a delay, the airline must offer an alternative route to the final destination.

Before your trip, be sure to save your booking confirmation, boarding passes, and any notifications from the carrier regarding flight delays or cancellations. You may need these documents to file a claim for compensation or reimbursement of expenses.

No matter how well thought-out your itinerary is, there is always room for force majeure when traveling. Unexpected medical expenses, transportation delays, or problems with luggage can ruin your plans and budget. Travel insurance helps you avoid unnecessary worries in such situations. You can apply for a travel insurance policy for a specific trip online at Visit World - quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy!

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We remind you! Popular European tourist destinations are becoming increasingly crowded, so travelers are looking for alternatives without the crowds. In 2026, attention is turning to countries that remain off the beaten path but offer unique experiences, affordable prices, and an authentic atmosphere. Read more about 5 European countries that are rarely visited by tourists.

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