Best Time to Fly BUF to DCA: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Buffalo Niagara International → Ronald Reagan Washington National
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
1,134 flights were scheduled from Buffalo (BUF) to Washington (DCA) in the last 12 months, and 65.7% of those that flew arrived on time, 11.9 points below the US average of 77.6%.
Republic Airways was the most punctual of the 3 airlines on the route at 75.0%, while Envoy Air trailed at 59.5%.
October has been the best month (81% on time) and Friday the weakest day of the week (66%).
4.9% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
BUF to DCA on-time performance by airline
Last 12 months. Airlines with fewer than 30 completed flights are marked “limited data”.
| Airline | On time | Avg delay when late | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republic Airways | 75.0% | 65 min | 1.6% | 244 |
| PSA Airlines | 63.7% | 129 min | 5.3% | 695 |
| Envoy Air | 59.5% | 72 min | 7.9% | 189 |
| American Airlines | Limited data | 6 | ||
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly BUF to DCA
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 2,435 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5am–6am | 84.7% | 5.1% | 607 |
| 6am–7am | 83.3% | 3.4% | 118 |
| 9am–10am | Limited data | 4 | |
| 10am–11am | Limited data | 1 | |
| 11am–12pm | 76.7% | 1.0% | 205 |
| 12pm–1pm | 60.2% | 3.7% | 513 |
| 1pm–2pm | 80.2% | 1.2% | 83 |
| 2pm–3pm | 63.4% | 9.5% | 190 |
| 3pm–4pm | 56.8% | 2.6% | 38 |
| 4pm–5pm | 45.5% | 13.2% | 38 |
| 5pm–6pm | 55.7% | 8.8% | 638 |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on BUF to DCA
On-time arrivals during holiday periods compared with all other days, last 24 months.
| Period | On time | vs other days | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving week (Tue before to Mon after) | 46.0% | -23.6 pts | 0.0% | 37 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 74.0% | +4.5 pts | 4.9% | 81 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 65.0% | -4.6 pts | 10.1% | 434 |
| All other days | 69.5% | — | 4.7% | 1,883 |
Monthly on-time trend
On-time arrival % each month, with the 12-month US average for reference.
What causes delays on this route
Share of reported delay minutes, last 12 months (BTS cause categories).