The half-yearly review of global air traffic in 2025 reveals a worrying trend: Almost one in four passengers was affected by flight problems in the first six months of the year. According to an analysis by air passenger rights expert AirHelp, around 490,3 million passengers worldwide were affected by delays or cancellations.
In Europe, the number of disrupted travelers reached 80,4 million. Germany ranks 26th in this global ranking, with the summer months in particular experiencing a significant increase in flight disruptions. The analysis, which examined punctuality and cancellation rates at airports in Europe and worldwide in the first six months of 2025, underscores the continued relevance of air passenger rights and the challenges facing the aviation industry.
Global disruptions: Portugal and Greece top the negative ranking
AirHelp's study, which compiles data from the first six months of 2025, reveals significant differences in global air traffic punctuality. Passengers departing from airports in Portugal were particularly affected , with 33,4 percent (5,3 million passengers) experiencing flight disruptions, placing the southern European country at the top of this negative ranking. Another popular European destination, Greece , ranks second with a disruption rate of 31,1 percent (4,4 million passengers).
Canada, South Korea, and India follow in the rankings, illustrating that flight disruptions are a global phenomenon extending far beyond Europe. Canada recorded a rate of 29,8 percent (11,3 million passengers) , placing it third. South Korea and India follow in fourth and fifth place with 29,3 percent (8,1 million passengers) and 28,5 percent (22,8 million passengers), respectively . These high figures highlight the massive challenges facing airlines and airport operators in these regions.
Germany ranks 26th in this global comparison . 22,7 percent of air passengers (11,1 million passengers) traveling to or from Germany were affected by flight disruptions. The trend is particularly striking: while disruptions were moderate at the beginning of the year, they increased steadily from February onward, peaking at 30,7 percent in June . Regarding flight cancellations in the narrower sense, Germany ranks 41st with a rate of 1,8 percent , which can be considered relatively stable in international comparison, even though this represents a considerable burden for the affected passengers.
Panama leads the way in punctuality
In contrast to countries with high disruption rates, there are also positive examples that show punctual and smooth air traffic is possible. Panama tops the list of the most punctual countries . Here, passengers were largely spared problems, with a disruption rate of only 12 percent (624.900 passengers) in the first half of 2025.
Ecuador and El Salvador also performed well in this regard. In Ecuador, the punctuality rate was 12,7 percent (367.700 passengers) , and El Salvador followed with the same rate of 12,7 percent (184.300 travelers) . Guatemala and South Africa were close behind, also recording relatively punctual flights. In Guatemala , 13,4 percent of passengers were affected by disruptions, and in South Africa, 14 percent . These countries demonstrate that a high level of punctuality in air traffic is achievable.
The reasons for the high punctuality in these countries are varied. They may include a less dense airspace structure, a lower number of flight movements compared to the major hubs, and efficient ground operations.
Intra-European air traffic: A closer look at the region
Looking solely at flights within Europe, the picture of disruptions becomes even more dire. Portugal and Greece once again occupy the top two spots in the negative ranking. In Portugal, almost one in three passengers (32,5 percent) experienced flight problems , while in Greece the figure was 31,3 percent . This illustrates that the problems are not limited to long-haul flights but also extend to the handling of intra-continental air traffic.
Switzerland also ranks among the countries with a high potential for disruption. Here, the delay and cancellation rate was 26,2 percent , which corresponds to approximately 2,5 million passengers who were unable to begin their journeys as planned. Switzerland, known for its precision, appears to be grappling with similar challenges in air travel as its European neighbors.
Malta and the Netherlands follow in second and third place with 25,6 percent and 24,9 percent , respectively. Germany fares slightly better in intra-European flights, with a rate of 20,4 percent , than in the global comparison, landing in 21st place . This suggests that the main problems of German air traffic lie not only in domestic processes but also in connections to international hubs and global air traffic.
Compensation claims: Millions of passengers are entitled to compensation
AirHelp's analysis also addresses the compensation claims to which passengers are entitled under EU Regulation 261/2004. Worldwide, more than 10,5 million people were entitled to compensation in the first half of 2025. This entitlement applies if a delay of more than three hours or a flight cancellation is due to the airline's own fault.
One country in the Middle East tops the negative ranking: In Saudi Arabia, 31,1 percent (1,6 million passengers) of passengers affected by disruptions are entitled to compensation. This indicates a high rate of internal problems at the airlines there. Brazil follows at a considerable distance with a rate of 14 percent , which corresponds to 1,2 million passengers entitled to compensation. In Finland, too , a large proportion of delays and cancellations are attributable to the airlines; here, the rate is 12,3 percent (164.900 passengers).
In Germany, 449.300 passengers were entitled to compensation in the first half of the year , representing 4,1 percent of all passengers affected by flight disruptions. This figure, which is relatively low compared to other countries, could indicate that a large proportion of flight disruptions in Germany are due to force majeure or external factors, such as air traffic control staff shortages, strikes, or weather events, for which the airlines cannot be held directly liable.
Julian Navas, passenger rights expert at AirHelp, puts the figures into context: "The half-yearly report shows that delays and cancellations remain a global problem. In the first half of 2025, almost one in four passengers was affected by delays or flight cancellations. This continues to be relevant for millions of travelers in Germany. June was particularly stressful: In that month, disruption rates reached their highest levels ever at 32,8 percent worldwide and 29,2 percent in Europe."
Background and outlook: The fight for stability in air traffic
The reasons for the high number of flight disruptions are diverse and complex. Often, a combination of high passenger volumes, staff shortages at airlines, airports, and air traffic control, as well as the increasing density of European airspace, play a role. Technical problems, weather events, and strikes can also lead to significant delays and cancellations. The aviation industry is grappling with these challenges and is striving to optimize operations.
A further increase in passenger traffic is expected in the second half of the year, which traditionally encompasses the peak travel season. This could further exacerbate existing problems and potentially keep disruption rates at a high level. It is therefore crucial for passengers to be informed about their rights in the event of flight problems and to assert them if necessary. Organizations like AirHelp provide important educational work and support those affected in asserting their claims.
The analysis highlights the need for the aviation industry to invest in more robust infrastructure, sufficient staffing, and more efficient processes to boost passenger confidence and ensure smoother air travel.