Which airline is most reliable for RIC (Richmond) to DTW (Detroit)?

The most reliable airline on the RIC to DTW route is Delta Air Lines, with an on-time arrival rate of 91%.

How often are flights delayed from RIC to DTW?

About 16% of flights from RIC to DTW experience delays. 84% arrive on time.

What's the average delay on RIC to DTW flights?

When flights from RIC to DTW are delayed, the average delay is approximately 98 minutes.

Is a short connection safe after a RIC to DTW flight?

With 84% of RIC to DTW flights arriving on time and an average delay of 98 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at DTW is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

RIC → DTW

RIC (Richmond) to DTW (Detroit)

RIC (Richmond) to DTW (Detroit) flights arrive on time 84% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Delta Air Lines at 91%. The average delay is 98 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated August 2026.

RIC → DTW on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is on time most of the time. About 84% of flights arrive on schedule.

Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Accurate?

Delta Air Lines is significantly more reliable on this route at 91% on time vs Spirit Airlines at 55%.

Airline Comparison

Delta Air Lines leads at 91% on time; Spirit Airlines trails at 55%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from RIC

78% on time

Expect ~19 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. RIC has long runway queues.

TSA is currently ~26 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

RIC cancels 2.2% of flights — higher than average. Have a backup plan.

More about RIC →

Arriving at DTW

80% on time

When flights into DTW are late, the average delay is 78 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at DTW: TSA is ~11 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about DTW →Connection times at DTW →

Flight cancelled or delayed?

Check what Delta Air Lines owes you — refund rights, action plan, complaint email. Free.

Flying out of RIC? We'll brief you.

Delays, TSA, weather, gates — we'll let you know if something matters.

RIC Airport DTW Airport

Check the return: DTW → RIC

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Data last updated August 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.