Best Time to Fly ILM to DCA: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Wilmington International → Ronald Reagan Washington National
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
880 flights were scheduled from Wilmington (ILM) to Washington (DCA) in the last 12 months, and 68.1% of those that flew arrived on time, 9.5 points below the US average of 77.6%.
Republic Airways was the most punctual of the 2 airlines on the route at 80.3%, while PSA Airlines trailed at 66.8%.
September has been the best month (86% on time) and Friday the weakest day of the week (63%).
6.6% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
ILM 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 | 80.3% | 72 min | 4.3% | 69 |
| PSA Airlines | 66.8% | 86 min | 6.8% | 807 |
| American Airlines | Limited data | 4 | ||
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly ILM to DCA
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 1,668 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5am–6am | Limited data | 11 | |
| 6am–7am | 77.5% | 4.8% | 42 |
| 7am–8am | Limited data | 4 | |
| 9am–10am | 85.4% | 2.2% | 91 |
| 10am–11am | 84.1% | 4.9% | 550 |
| 11am–12pm | 83.3% | 3.2% | 62 |
| 12pm–1pm | Limited data | 2 | |
| 1pm–2pm | 81.8% | 0.0% | 33 |
| 2pm–3pm | 48.9% | 2.1% | 48 |
| 3pm–4pm | 42.4% | 8.0% | 100 |
| 4pm–5pm | 62.9% | 3.3% | 120 |
| 5pm–6pm | 75.4% | 7.9% | 76 |
| 6pm–7pm | 59.8% | 12.1% | 99 |
| 7pm–8pm | 51.9% | 11.3% | 425 |
| 8pm–9pm | Limited data | 5 | |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on ILM 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) | 64.5% | -7.7 pts | 0.0% | 31 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 68.5% | -3.7 pts | 0.0% | 54 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 58.4% | -13.8 pts | 10.9% | 340 |
| All other days | 72.2% | — | 6.0% | 1,243 |
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).