It is tricky when you have family who live all over the place. Going to see one another isn't usually something you can just do on a whim; it requires real investment and planning. It makes the opportunities when you get to see each other even more special, and many would argue that it makes it even more important to do all you can to let those visits run smoothly.
When you are required to get on a plane to see someone, that can be a big ask. Airports are not always the most predictable and organized places, and travelling through them can prove to be a stressful experience. It is the last thing you want when you are trying to see a loved one, perhaps for a special event that doesn't happen so often. It is just one of the risks you run when you live far apart.
While these circumstances often can't be helped, it is also the kind of scenario that has the potential to cause a family rift. People will hold it against you if you can't make it to something that is important to them on time.