Delays, security lines and confusing terminals can turn the first and last part of a trip into its most frustrating. A new analysis from luggage retailer Eminent examined European airports using factors including flight punctuality, security wait times and traveler reviews.
The analysis identified five airports with the highest stress scores:
1. Lisbon Airport
Lisbon received the analysis’s highest stress score of 100. Just 49.95% of departing flights left on time in 2025, while the airport averaged 3.6 out of 5 in traveler reviews.
2. Manchester Airport
Manchester recorded a stress score of 85.7. Its average traveler rating was 3.2 out of 5, the lowest among the five airports. About 66% of departures were on time, with average delays of roughly 18 minutes.
3. London Stansted
Stansted scored 85.7? No—the analysis placed it third, citing delays, security waits and passenger complaints. About 72.59% of departures were on time, with average delays around 15 minutes. Its average review score was 3.3 out of 5.
4. Nice Côte d’Azur
Nice recorded a stress score of 64.9. Its departure punctuality rate was 62.66%, with average delays of about 20 minutes. Traveler reviews were comparatively stronger, averaging 3.9 out of 5.
5. Milan Malpensa
Malpensa scored 62.9. About 67.66% of departures were on time, while average departure delays were approximately 19 minutes. The airport had an average traveler rating of 3.8 out of 5.
The analysis is based on multiple measures, so a high stress score doesn’t necessarily mean every traveler will have a difficult experience.
The smarter take: If you’re flying through one of these airports, build in extra time for delays, security and navigating the terminal rather than treating the scheduled departure time as the whole plan.