Revealed: The world’s most expensive major airport to get stuck in is in the USA

It’s everyone’s worst travel nightmare – your late-night flight has been cancelled and you’re suddenly left to fend for yourself.

Finding somewhere to sleep and eat – as well as basic necessities – late at night can be a stressful hassle.

And it could set you back a small fortune too, as airports can easily see costs stack up.

Now, the most expensive airport in the world to get stuck in has been revealed – and it’s in the USA.

New York JFK Airport has topped the list, where an unwanted overnight stay will cost on average £250.

New analysis has identified the world’s most expensive airports to be stranded at.

Passenger rights specialists AirAdvisor identified the world’s 50 busiest airports and the cost of necessities for an overnight stay nearby – including a fast-food meal, toothbrush and one-night stay in a three-star hotel. 

Second on the list is Los Angeles (LAX) Airport, with an average cost of £193.

Closely behind is Zurich (ZRH), Switzerland – which will set you back £145.

Sydney Airport and Madrid Airport take the fourth and fifth spots. 

Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, explains: ‘We chose two airports per country from the Airports Council International’s Top 50, based on passenger traffic. 

‘After that, we checked OAG’s Megahubs connectivity data to keep the mix truly global.

‘The results we found were truly surprising, not just because of the total cost, but because of the huge difference in cost among the most and least expensive airports.

‘In some hubs, getting stuck overnight was little more than an inconvenience to the average traveller, but in others, the price tag compared to a mini holiday.’

Anton continues: ‘If you’re unlucky enough to get stuck in New York JFK, you’ll likely fork out around £250 just to cover the basics. 

‘At LAX, the cost still tops £190, which compares to what some people spend for lodging on a holiday weekend.’

An unwanted overnight stay at New York JFK will cost on average £250

The AirAdvisor expert adds: ‘At these airports, even the necessities balloon in cost, for example £20 for fast food in Istanbul and up to £4.50 for bottled water in New York.

‘Add hotel prices that average £120+ per night across the U.S. and Europe, and your “unexpected sleepover” quickly becomes a financial kick in the teeth.’

So, what drives up costs at the most expensive airports?

Anton explains: ‘At the priciest hubs, hotel accommodation contributes the most to higher expenses. At New York JFK, the nightly room rate alone makes up almost 90 per cent of the entire spend, leaving food and drink as minor extras by comparison.

‘Even at airports like Zurich and Madrid, where meals and transport costs aren’t especially high, hotel accommodation still increases the total cost. 

‘So, while the price of a burger or coffee might sting, it’s really the price of a bed for the night that turns an overnight delay into financial grief.’