Flights keep getting delayed because several pressure points hit the system at once: bad weather, air-traffic control (ATC) constraints, crew scheduling, maintenance checks, and congestion at busy hubs. Recently in the US, ATC staffing shortages and government-mandated flight cuts at major airports have made delays worse, especially around peak travel dates.
On top of that, airlines must juggle aircraft rotations and legal crew rest rules, so one disruption can cascade through the day’s schedule. If you’re stuck, your best move is to monitor your flight in real time, stay in touch with your airline’s travel service team, and ask airport services at the gate or customer-service desk about rebooking options or meal/hotel vouchers when delays are within airline control.