Best Time to Fly RDU to IAD: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Raleigh-Durham International → Washington Dulles International
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
1,301 flights were scheduled from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Washington (IAD) in the last 12 months, and 86.4% of those that flew arrived on time, 8.8 points above the US average of 77.6%.
United Airlines was the most punctual of the 2 airlines on the route at 87.5%, while Republic Airways trailed at 80.9%.
April has been the best month (93% on time) and Sunday the weakest day of the week (85%).
1.2% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
RDU to IAD 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | 87.5% | 72 min | 1.2% | 1,083 |
| Republic Airways | 80.9% | 78 min | 1.4% | 218 |
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly RDU to IAD
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 2,315 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6am–7am | 92.5% | 1.9% | 626 |
| 10am–11am | 93.2% | 0.7% | 590 |
| 1pm–2pm | 91.0% | 0.0% | 111 |
| 2pm–3pm | 80.7% | 3.3% | 91 |
| 3pm–4pm | 78.5% | 2.2% | 366 |
| 7pm–8pm | 84.0% | 1.5% | 412 |
| 8pm–9pm | 86.5% | 0.0% | 119 |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on RDU to IAD
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) | 90.4% | +1.1 pts | 0.0% | 52 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 88.2% | -1.1 pts | 0.0% | 93 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 81.7% | -7.6 pts | 3.9% | 358 |
| All other days | 89.3% | — | 1.1% | 1,812 |
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).