Harry Reid International Follows London Stansted, Atlanta, Charles de Gaulle, Gatwick, Heathrow and More to Join the List of World’s Most Frustrating Airports, You Won’t Believe What the New Research Reveals!

Published on December 4, 2025

Harry Reid International, known for serving millions of visitors to Las Vegas, has now joined London Stansted, Atlanta, Charles de Gaulle, Gatwick, Heathrow, and more in the list of the world’s most frustrating airports. This new research reveals shocking insights into the challenges faced by passengers at these major terminals. From long delays to overcrowded terminals, these airports have become notorious for their inefficiency and stress-inducing atmosphere. Harry Reid, despite being a key hub in the U.S., struggles with overcrowding and delayed flights, just like its counterparts in London Stansted, Atlanta, and others. The research highlights the growing frustration among travelers, with delays and long waits affecting their entire journey. You won’t believe what the findings show about how these airports continue to fail their passengers.

London Stansted: The UK’s Most Infamous Airport

London Stansted Airport, located about 30 miles north of central London, is one of the busiest airports in the UK, handling nearly 30 million passengers annually. But while it might be a major hub for flights, it has earned a reputation for being the worst airport for travelers. According to recent reports, over 75% of flights from Stansted are delayed — a staggering statistic that places it at the top of the frustration list for many.

Stansted is small for the volume of passengers it serves. The airport only has one runway and a single terminal, which means there’s little room for delays to be avoided. With the high number of people traveling through this already tight space, it’s no surprise that passengers often find themselves packed into terminals with nowhere to sit, especially during peak hours. This makes waiting for a delayed flight even more uncomfortable.

Why Is London Stansted So Overcrowded?

The root of the problem lies in its limited capacity. The airport was designed to handle a fraction of the passengers it now serves. While it sees over 28 million passengers a year, the space available is not enough to accommodate the growing crowds. The terminal, which covers just 10 square kilometers, simply doesn’t have the infrastructure to keep up with demand. This overcrowding leads to frustration as people struggle to find seats, navigate long queues, and deal with flight delays.

The issue is compounded by a lack of resources. Delayed flights mean that passengers often have to deal with missed connections, longer wait times at security, and baggage retrieval nightmares. While Stansted continues to operate efficiently for the most part, its size and layout make it a constant challenge during busy travel times.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta: America’s Overcrowded Giant

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world, with over 108 million passengers passing through its terminals annually. But with great size comes great challenges. The sheer volume of passengers that ATL handles each year means that delays, overcrowding, and lost luggage are common complaints. According to recent studies, ATL is notorious for overcrowded terminals and long waits. The airport often struggles to manage the large number of passengers, which leads to delays in both departures and arrivals.

ATL’s size also means that security lines can stretch for miles, and it’s common for passengers to wait in long queues before even getting to their gates. Given that it serves both domestic and international flights, ATL’s terminals are often packed, leading to less-than-ideal travel experiences for those passing through.

The Real Problem at Hartsfield-Jackson: Passenger Density

The core issue at ATL is its passenger density. With nearly 109 million travelers passing through annually, ATL is under constant pressure. And while the airport has multiple terminals and runways, it still struggles to manage the sheer volume of flights and passengers. With so many people flying in and out every day, the likelihood of a delay increases, as does the chance of baggage mishandling. Lost baggage is a major problem at ATL, with over 35,000 people searching for their misplaced belongings every year.

Despite being the world’s busiest airport, ATL does not always perform well in terms of flight delays. With around 20% of flights delayed, ATL remains a frustrating experience for travelers, especially those in a hurry to catch a connecting flight. The airport’s constant overcrowding exacerbates the problem, making it a prime example of how size can sometimes lead to chaos.

Paris Charles de Gaulle: Europe’s Unpredictable Hub

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris is another example of an airport that has earned a reputation for being one of the most frustrating travel hubs in Europe. Over 70 million passengers pass through this airport each year, and a significant number of them experience delays. With more than 60% of flights at CDG running behind schedule, it’s clear that this airport has issues.

While CDG is large enough to handle the volume of passengers it receives, its layout and operations often lead to confusion. The airport is sprawling, with multiple terminals and gates that are not always connected efficiently. This causes problems for passengers trying to navigate the airport in a rush, especially if they are connecting between international and domestic flights. Additionally, the complexity of CDG’s layout often results in missed connections and further delays.

London Gatwick and Heathrow: The UK’s Double Trouble

London is home to two other airports that also rank among the world’s worst for delays and overcrowding: Gatwick and Heathrow. Gatwick, the second busiest airport in the UK, serves over 43 million passengers each year, but its small size compared to the volume it handles often leads to significant delays. With just a handful of runways and terminals, Gatwick has difficulty accommodating the high number of travelers that pass through its gates.

Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, is also no stranger to flight delays. Serving a staggering 84 million passengers annually, Heathrow has long been criticized for its capacity issues. Despite its larger size and multiple terminals, Heathrow is still often congested, with delays affecting around one in four flights. The sheer number of passengers at Heathrow also leads to lost baggage, with over 5,000 searches for misplaced luggage every year.

Harry Reid International: The Las Vegas Conundrum

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), located in Las Vegas, is another major airport that frequently finds itself on the list of frustrating airports for travelers. Serving over 58 million passengers annually, LAS is a key gateway for both domestic and international travel, especially given the city’s status as a major tourist destination. However, like many busy airports, it suffers from overcrowding, long lines, and delays.

The airport has four runways and two terminals, but its infrastructure can struggle to keep up with the volume of flights. With a record 58.4 million passengers in 2024, LAS has been facing pressure to maintain its efficiency. Although it does not have the same level of congestion as some of the larger airports, the combination of high traffic, limited runway capacity, and delays can create a frustrating experience for passengers.

The Big Issue: Limited Infrastructure for Growing Passenger Numbers

The common thread between all of these airports is the fundamental issue of infrastructure. As passenger numbers rise, these airports struggle to adapt to the increased demand. London Stansted, Atlanta, Charles de Gaulle, Gatwick, Heathrow, and Harry Reid all face significant challenges when it comes to handling crowds, delays, and baggage issues. Despite their size and prominence, they are often overwhelmed by the volume of travelers.

The increase in budget airlines and the overall growth in air travel have compounded this issue. While it’s great that more people are flying than ever before, the infrastructure in these airports has not kept pace with demand. Terminals are overcrowded, security lines are longer, and delays are more common, making air travel a more stressful experience for many.

How Travelers Can Navigate These Challenging Airports

Despite the challenges posed by these airports, there are ways travelers can mitigate some of the frustration. First and foremost, booking flights during off-peak times can help reduce the likelihood of delays. If possible, try to avoid traveling during major holiday seasons, when airports tend to be the busiest.

Additionally, passengers can consider upgrading their services or signing up for programs like TSA PreCheck, which can help expedite security lines. For those traveling internationally, using online check-in and mobile boarding passes can save time at the airport. If you’re connecting between flights, allow extra time between connections to ensure you don’t miss your next departure.

Finally, always plan for the unexpected. Having a backup plan in case of a delay or lost luggage can make all the difference. Many airlines now offer compensation or assistance for delayed flights or lost baggage, so knowing your rights as a passenger can help you navigate any challenges.

Are These Airports Truly the Worst?

While it’s true that London Stansted, Atlanta, Charles de Gaulle, and Harry Reid International are some of the most frustrating airports for travelers, it’s important to recognize that these issues often stem from factors like passenger density, limited infrastructure, and the sheer volume of flights and people passing through. These airports may not always provide the best experience, but they are also some of the busiest and most critical hubs in the world.

Traveling through these airports can be frustrating, but understanding the challenges they face can help you better prepare for your journey. With a bit of foresight, planning, and patience, you can navigate these crowded terminals and still have an enjoyable travel experience.

By focusing on the facts and the real reasons behind the delays and issues faced at these major airports, we can better prepare ourselves for the challenges of modern air travel. So, next time you find yourself at one of these busy terminals, remember: it’s not just you, it’s the sheer scale of air travel today.

Source: Sail Croatia