World’s most on-time airlines revealed
January 3, 2025
Aeromexico has been named the world’s most punctual airline in 2024, topping Cirium’s annual On-Time Performance Review with an on-time rate of 86.70%.
Saudi Arabia’s Saudia claimed second place with 86.35%, while Delta Air Lines ranked third at 83.46%. The rankings, published by aviation analytics firm Cirium, measure airlines’ ability to ensure flights arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled time.
The report also highlighted the top performers by region. Delta Air Lines dominated North America, while Japan Airlines led in the Asia-Pacific region.
Copa Airlines continued its winning streak in Latin America with its 10th award. Europe’s most punctual airline was Iberia Express, which also won the global low-cost category. FlySafair topped the charts for the Middle East and Africa.
In the airport category, Riyadh King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia was crowned the most on-time global airport, with 86.65% of flights departing on schedule. It also triumphed in the ‘Large Airport’ category. Panama’s Tocumen International Airport won in the ‘Medium Airport’ group, and Guayaquil’s Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport was named the top ‘Small Airport’.
Delta Air Lines received Cirium’s Platinum Award for global operational excellence for the fourth consecutive year. The award evaluates not just punctuality but also how airlines manage disruptions and maintain reliability. Colombia’s El Dorado International Airport earned Cirium’s inaugural Platinum Award for airports, recognising its operational complexity and passenger experience.
Jeremy Bowen, Cirium CEO, said: “In an industry defined by operational complexity, we are extremely proud to be celebrating the airlines and airports who have provided customers the most on-time flights and best performance in 2024, acknowledging their operational excellence.
“2024 was a difficult year for airlines, facing a large-scale IT outage, and unseasonable and severe weather patterns. Despite these challenges, these airlines and airports have worked tirelessly to ensure their customers have a smooth journey and reach their destination on-time.
“We extend our congratulations to all the winners of this year’s On-Time Performance Review, each of whom has set new standards in operational excellence. A special recognition goes to Delta Air Lines for continuing their outstanding winning streak with Cirium’s Platinum Award for airlines, Copa Airlines for achieving its 10th title as Latin America’s most On-Time airline, Iberia Express for its consistent performance as Europe’s most On-Time airline, and Bogotá El Dorado Airport for securing Cirium’s first-ever Platinum Award for an airport.”
