As global tourism rebounds to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, both airlines and airports have faced challenges due to rising passenger numbers and the pressure to maintain punctuality. Cirium’s annual rankings reveal how airlines and airports have fared in these areas.
Mexico’s Aeromexico emerged as the most punctual airline in 2024, with 86.7% of its flights arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time. Saudia (formerly Saudi Arabian Airlines) came in second at 86.35%, a significant improvement from last year’s ninth place. Delta Air Lines followed in third with 83.46%, while LATAM Airlines and Qatar Airways secured the fourth and fifth positions with 82.89% and 82.83%, respectively.
Delta was also recognized for operational excellence, maintaining its position as the top airline for the fourth consecutive year, praised for improving its on-time performance by 9%.
Despite this, global flight punctuality saw a slight decline, with a 0.5% drop in 2024 compared to the previous year. Regional airlines performed better in terms of punctuality, with Safair from South Africa leading at 93.82%, followed by Oman Air (90.27%) and Copa Airlines (88.22%).
In Europe, Spain’s Iberia Express and Iberia topped the rankings with 84.69% and 81.58%, respectively. In Asia-Pacific, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways held the lead, despite a slight dip in their performance. Delta Air Lines led in North America, followed by United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
On-time performance at airports also plays a significant role in passenger satisfaction. Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport ranked as the most punctual, with over 86% of flights departing on time. Panama’s Tocumen International and Ecuador’s Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International topped the list in the medium and small airports categories, respectively.
Here are the top airlines and airports for punctuality in 2024:
Top 10 Most Punctual Airlines (2024):
- Aeromexico
- Saudia
- Delta Air Lines
- LATAM Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Azul Airlines
- Avianca
- Iberia
- Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
- United Airlines
Top 10 Most Punctual Airports (2024):
- Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
- Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
- Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL)
- Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH)
