Long layovers, late-night arrivals and unexpected flight delays are common travel experiences for many people. Whether flying long haul or transiting through major international hubs, being stranded overnight at an airport is often stressful.
A new study by airline compensation experts AirAdvisor shows that where that delay happens can make a huge difference to how much it will cost the affected passenger.
AirAdvisor compared the costs of six essential items commonly needed during an overnight airport delay, while airports were selected from the world’s busiest hubs. This is based on passenger traffic rankings from Airport Council International.
The final list was refined using global connectivity data to ensure a balanced representation across different regions.
The expenses a stranded traveller is most likely to make at the airport include a fast-food meal, coffee, bottled water, public transport into the city, a one-night stay in a nearby three-star hotel and a toothbrush. These are categorised as “necessities” in the study.
The findings reveal a striking contrast between airports globally. Depending on location, travellers may spend as little as RM103 or nearly RM1,340 for the same basic necessities.
AirAdvisor estimates that up to 30 million passengers worldwide in 2025 were “forced” to spend at least one night stranded at, or near an airport.
“In some airports, the essentials cost less than a cinema ticket,” says AirAdvisor CEO Anton Radchenko in a press release.
“In others, they rival the price of a weekend getaway.”
At the top of the list is the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, United States where an overnight delay can cost more than RM1,320, largely due to high hotel rates and expensive food and beverages.
Other costly airports include Los Angeles International Airport (California, US) and major European hubs such as Zurich Airport (Switzerland), Charles de Gaulle (Paris, France), London Heathrow (England), Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (Spain) and Oslo Airport (Norway), where decent accommodation near the airport comes at a high price.
On the other hand, the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India ranks as the cheapest airport in the world to be stranded, with total costs averaging just RM102.
Several Asian airports also remain relatively affordable, including Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok, Thailand), Beijing Daxing International Airport (China), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (China) and Incheon Airport (Seoul, South Korea).
Istanbul Airport in Turkiye is a unique case: While food and drinks are expensive, lower hotel prices help keep overall costs down.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminals 1 and 2) ranks among the more affordable airports in the world, with an average cost of RM242 per stranded passenger.
A nearby three-star hotel averages around RM188, while coffee and bottled water remain reasonably priced.
Why airport prices vary
AirAdvisor says that airport pricing is influenced by more than simple mark-ups. “Airports operate in a unique environment where both businesses and travellers have limited flexibility,” explains Radchenko.
“Once you’re past security, you become a captive customer, and that lack of competition drives prices up.”
Businesses operating inside or near airports also face higher rents, concession fees and staffing costs, which are reflected in their prices, and what passengers have to pay.
Local prices play a role, too.
In countries such as the US, Switzerland and Norway, even mid-range airport hotels can cost over RM610 per night, while similar accommodation near airports in India or China is often far cheaper, for instance.
For travellers, preparation and awareness can help to reduce the impact of delays. Radchenko advises carrying small essentials such as snacks, a refillable water bottle and basic toiletries (remember to adhere to airport and airline guidelines).
Passengers are encouraged to keep receipts and understand their rights, as international rules such as the Montreal Convention may allow reimbursement for reasonable expenses caused by flight delays or cancellations.
Travel insurance may come in handy, too.
“Wherever you are, keep receipts, ask about your entitlements, and don’t be afraid to claim what you’re owed,” Radchenko adds.
“A little preparation and knowledge can turn a stressful overnight delay into something far more manageable.”
10 most expensive airports to be stranded in
1. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – RM1,324
2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – RM1,051
3. Zurich Airport (ZRH) – RM792
4. Sydney Airport (SYD) – RM785
5. Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) – RM785
6. Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – RM767
7. Oslo Airport (OSL) – RM636
8. London Heathrow (LHR) – RM633
9. Dubai International Airport (DXB) – RM539
10. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) – RM531
10 cheapest airports to be stranded in
1. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) – RM102
2. Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) – RM185
3. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) – RM194
4. Bogota (BOG) – RM241
5. Hamad International Airport (DOH) – RM285
6. Cairo International Airport (CAI) – RM291
7. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) – RM312
8. Incheon International Airport (ICN) – RM361
9. Sao Paulo/Guarulhos-Governor Andre Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU) – RM363
10. Istanbul Airport (IST) – RM366
