Best Time to Fly DTW to BUF: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Detroit Metro Wayne County → Buffalo Niagara International
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
Over the last 12 months, 78.2% of Detroit (DTW) to Buffalo (BUF) flights arrived on time (1,207 scheduled flights). That is 0.5 points above the national average of 77.6%.
Delta Air Lines was the most punctual of the 2 airlines on the route at 78.1%, while SkyWest Airlines trailed at 78.0%.
September has been the best month (86% on time) and Friday the weakest day of the week (72%).
1.7% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
DTW to BUF 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | 78.1% | 113 min | 2.0% | 443 |
| SkyWest Airlines | 78.0% | 94 min | 1.3% | 757 |
| Republic Airways | Limited data | 7 | ||
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly DTW to BUF
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 2,304 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7am–8am | 86.7% | 1.0% | 303 |
| 8am–9am | 84.1% | 0.0% | 69 |
| 10am–11am | 74.2% | 0.8% | 477 |
| 11am–12pm | 78.0% | 2.4% | 42 |
| 12pm–1pm | Limited data | 1 | |
| 2pm–3pm | 85.3% | 0.0% | 129 |
| 3pm–4pm | 74.8% | 2.6% | 273 |
| 4pm–5pm | 82.7% | 0.0% | 139 |
| 5pm–6pm | 74.8% | 0.7% | 144 |
| 9pm–10pm | 81.5% | 0.6% | 484 |
| 10pm–11pm | 57.9% | 1.4% | 218 |
| 11pm–12am | Limited data | 25 | |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on DTW to BUF
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) | 59.6% | -20.6 pts | 2.1% | 48 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 55.9% | -24.2 pts | 2.9% | 70 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 68.0% | -12.1 pts | 1.4% | 353 |
| All other days | 80.1% | — | 0.8% | 1,833 |
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).