Analysis of the Impact of Weather Conditions on Flight Delays at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) During 2013–2023

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of meteorological variability on weather‐related flight delays at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) during 2013–2023. Operational delay records from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics were integrated with atmospheric data from NASA POWER. Seasonal characteristics were evaluated using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multivariate OLS regression. The results reveal a pronounced seasonal cycle, with delays peaking during summer (JJA), consistent with enhanced convective activity. Precipitation emerges as the dominant positive predictor of delays ( p < 0.001). Vector wind shear also exhibits a statistically significant negative coefficient ( = −14,050, p = 0.001); however, this inverse relationship reflects a seasonal phase mismatch—where peak summer delays coincide with climatologically weak wind shear—rather than a direct mitigating physical effect. The multivariate model explains 36.7% of the total delay variance (adjusted R 2 = 0.342). Overall, the findings indicate that flight delays at ATL are primarily governed by recurring seasonal atmospheric regimes, supporting the integration of meteorological indicators into airport operations and delay forecasting.

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