Aviation analytics company Cirium has announced the world’s most punctual and reliable airlines in its 2024 On-Time Performance Review – and the winners may surprise you.
While some countries (we’re thinking mostly Japan) are universally praised for their efficiency on the ground, in the air, it’s a different story.
Claiming the prize for world’s most punctual airline in 2024 is Aeromexico, with the carrier scoring an impressive 86.70% on-time (arrival) performance (OTP).
Following Mexico’s national airline is Saudia with a score of 86.35%, and Delta Air Lines with a 83.46% OTP.
The US carrier also received Cirium’s Platinum Award for global operational excellence for the fourth consecutive year.
Rounding out the top five most efficient airlines globally are another pair of Latin American and Middle Eastern carriers, LATAM Airlines (82.89%) and Qatar Airways (82.83%).
Local heroes
In the Asia Pacific region, it’s perhaps no shock that the top two performers are Japan Airlines (80.90%) and All Nippon Airways (80.62%), with Singapore Airlines (78.67%) following in third place.
Placing fourth is Air New Zealand (77.58%), which did remarkably well in a region where aviation competition is fierce. Thai AirAsia X (77.46%) rounded out the top five most punctual APAC airlines.
In other regional categories, Iberia Express stood out, winning most on-time airline in Europe and best low-cost airline globally, while Delta and Copa Airlines topped North America and Latin America, respectively, with the latter achieving its 10th win in the category. FlySafair took the title in the Middle East and Africa.
Meanwhile, Cirium also ranked the world’s airports for their reliability and efficiency. Among global hubs, Riyadh King Khalid International Airport earned the title of most on-time airport, with 86.65% of flights departing within schedule.
Elsewhere, Latin American hubs excelled. Panama’s Tocumen International Airport was named the top medium airport, Ecuador’s Guayaquil Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport won in the small airport category and Colombia’s El Dorado International Airport received Cirium’s first Platinum Award for global airport operational excellence.
Cirium defines an on-time flight as a flight that arrives within 14:59 minutes of the scheduled arrival time. Airports define punctuality as flights departing within 15 minutes of schedule.
A challenging year
Cirium CEO Jeremy Bowen said the aviation sector had done well in 2024, despite headwinds.
“2024 was a difficult year for airlines, facing a large-scale IT outage, and unseasonable and severe weather patterns,” he remarked.
“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.”
