December 4, 2025 | 10:35 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Air travel often induces stress due to tight schedules and meticulous checks. The stress levels escalate for travelers flying from airports in the United States. A new study has examined the world's most stressful airports for tourists. Topping the list is Newark Liberty International (EWR) in New Jersey.
Reported by People, the study conducted by the Australian travel insurance company iSelect took samples from 50 major airports across the globe and published a report ranking them based on flight delays, cancellations, check-in, security wait times, airport accessibility, and baggage claim convenience.
New Jersey Airport's Worst Scores
Newark Liberty International (EWR) in New Jersey only received a score of 18.46 out of a possible top rank of 100 on the study index. The airport had the worst scores for the check-in and customs and immigration process, with only 77 percent and 66 percent of reviewers giving a positive rating, respectively. It also had the second worst score for airport accessibility, at 74 percent positive, and for security checks, at 70 percent.
The study found that Newark experienced an average departure delay of around 21.4 minutes over the last year and a departure cancellation rate of 1.43 percent.
"Airports can sometimes be stressful, but understanding which airports are more likely to cause delays or longer wait times can help travelers prepare and plan their trips," said Adrian Bennett, general insurance manager, in a statement quoted by Travel + Leisure.
With governance far from perfect, the airport is making efforts to increase its passenger capacity to 49 million passengers annually. The new Terminal A has been completed in 2023, and officials have begun constructing the $2.7 billion AirTrain Newark, scheduled to open in October 2025. "This phased development points the way for the redesigned Newark Liberty would accommodate more passengers and aircraft while reducing delays and congestion, delivering a world-class air travel experience from curb to gate," stated the airport's website.
Top 5 Stress-Inducing Airports
Aside from Newark Liberty International, another airport at the top of the list is Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, Portugal. Ranked second most stressful on the iSelect list, the airport scored 22.51 on its index. The airport had the highest average departure delay at 27.39 minutes. However, it had the highest score for accessibility.
Manchester Airport in the UK ranked as the third most stress-inducing with the worst baggage claim score on the index.
The fourth and fifth most stressful airports in the US were John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
The study also assessed the airports in the world that least stress travelers. Airports on this list include Changi Airport in Singapore, Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, and Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea.
Read: Do Fragile Stickers Really Help Your Luggage Come Out Faster at Airports?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Adisutjipto Airport Sees Passenger Growth as ATR Flights Gain Popularity
1 hari lalu
Adisutjipto Airport serves short-haul regional passenger flights such as Yogyakarta-Jakarta, Yogyakarta-Karimunjawa, and other short routes.
DEN Chair Says IMIP Airport in Morowali Serves Only Domestic Flights, No Immigration Needed
2 hari lalu
Indonesia's DEN Chair Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the airport was built to attract investors, as is common in countries such as Vietnam and Thailand.
PDIP Urges Gov't to Investigate Construction of IMIP Airport in Morowali
3 hari lalu
The PDIP urges the government to conduct a thorough investigation and law enforcement efforts to ensure the development of Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park Airport.
Indonesia Confident Holiday Travel Will Rise After Airport Fees Cut by 50%
5 hari lalu
InJourney Airports is optimistic that the 50% fare reduction for airport services during Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 (Nataru) will boost people's mobility.
Jokowi Refutes Claims of Inaugurating IMIP Airport in Morowali
5 hari lalu
Former President Joko Widodo or Jokowi clarified that the IMIP Airport, situated within the industrial park, is a private facility.
Finance Minister Open to Sending Customs Officers to IMIP Airport
6 hari lalu
Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated readiness to send officials to carry out customs and excise operations at IMIP Airport.
Prabowo Orders Strict Enforcement to Regulate Unsupervised IMIP Airport
6 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto gave directions to enforce regulations on activities at the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) Airport.
IMIP Morowali Airport Poses Potential National Security Threat, Lawmaker Says
7 hari lalu
Lawmaker described IMIP Airport as a "stealth airport," highlighting potential violations of legal regulations, as well as risks to security.
Government Denies Claims That Morowali's IMIP Airport Is Illegal
7 hari lalu
Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation has assigned personnel from multiple agencies to work at IMIP Airport.
PT IMIP Clarifies as Airport Status in Morowali Put Under Scrutiny
7 hari lalu
PT IMIP responds to questions about the status of its airport in Morowali, Sulawesi Tengah, and clarifies its operations.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5243277/original/092151900_1749100247-front-view-cute-little-boy-listening-music.jpg)
