Best Time to Fly IAD to DTW: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Washington Dulles International → Detroit Metro Wayne County
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
1,133 flights were scheduled from Washington (IAD) to Detroit (DTW) in the last 12 months, and 77.6% of those that flew arrived on time, in line with the US average of 77.6%.
Delta Air Lines was the most punctual of the 4 airlines on the route at 80.6%, while Republic Airways trailed at 76.9%.
October has been the best month (92% on time) and Tuesday the weakest day of the week (76%).
1.2% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
IAD to DTW 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 | 80.6% | 79 min | 2.0% | 147 |
| United Airlines | 79.5% | 49 min | 0.0% | 39 |
| SkyWest Airlines | 77.1% | 125 min | 1.0% | 708 |
| Republic Airways | 76.9% | 63 min | 1.7% | 239 |
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly IAD to DTW
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 2,406 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6am–7am | 86.1% | 0.9% | 632 |
| 8am–9am | Limited data | 23 | |
| 9am–10am | 88.0% | 0.0% | 150 |
| 10am–11am | 85.7% | 0.0% | 84 |
| 11am–12pm | 89.3% | 0.0% | 103 |
| 12pm–1pm | 68.0% | 0.9% | 230 |
| 1pm–2pm | 84.4% | 0.0% | 231 |
| 5pm–6pm | 68.2% | 1.3% | 765 |
| 6pm–7pm | 87.5% | 0.0% | 56 |
| 10pm–11pm | 75.0% | 2.3% | 132 |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on IAD to DTW
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) | 56.7% | -23.9 pts | 0.0% | 30 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 74.7% | -5.8 pts | 0.0% | 87 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 70.8% | -9.8 pts | 1.1% | 440 |
| All other days | 80.5% | — | 0.9% | 1,849 |
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).