A method for data processing is provided, the method comprises: determining the predicted transmission time required by the data packet to be transmitted currently during the transmission course and the residence time for the data packet residing in the buffer; when the sum of the predicted transmission time and the residence time is greater than the predetermined air interface time delay, discarding the data packet. By utilizing the technical scheme of the invention, the discarding time of the data packet is dynamically adjusted, the packet discarding rate is reduced, and the service quality is improved. An apparatus for data processing is also provided.