The title of the world’s most punctual airline in 2024 has been claimed by a carrier that quietly outperformed global competitors.
Aeroméxico took the top spot, with nearly 87% of its flights arriving on time, surpassing all other major airlines. This achievement, recognized by aviation analytics company Cirium, highlights the airline’s focus on operational efficiency and reliability, cementing its reputation as a leader in punctuality.
In 2023, Colombian carrier Avianca held the top spot, but Aeroméxico edged ahead this year, despite global challenges such as unusual weather patterns and technical disruptions.
Cirium’s data, collected from over 600 sources and 25 million daily records, tracks airline performance against strict benchmarks. To be considered on time, flights must land within 14 minutes and 59 seconds of their scheduled arrival.
Aeroméxico’s 86.7% on-time performance placed it ahead of Saudia, which recorded an 86.35% rate, and Delta Air Lines, with 83.46%. Delta’s strong showing, despite being heavily affected by the CrowdStrike IT outage in July, drew praise for its impressive recovery, culminating in a 91% punctuality rate by August.
In the Americas, Copa Airlines continues to dominate the Latin American market with 88.22% punctuality, extending its decade-long streak as the region’s most reliable airline. Caribbean Airlines and Aeroméxico followed closely behind. Meanwhile, in North America, United Airlines secured second place regionally with an 80.93% punctuality rate, followed by Alaska Airlines at 79.25%.
European carriers saw Iberia and its low-cost arm, Iberia Express, leading the continent’s rankings with punctuality rates of 81.58% and 84.69%, respectively. Scandinavian Airlines and Vueling trailed not far behind.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways were neck and neck, while Flysafair emerged as the most punctual airline in the Middle East and Africa with an impressive 93.82% rate.
The Most On-Time Airports
Airport performance also played a crucial role in overall punctuality. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport led the global airport rankings with 86.56% of flights departing on time, surpassing Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport and Mexico City’s Benito Juarez Airport.
Cirium executives noted that consistent performance often stems from management’s commitment to punctuality. Airlines like Delta incentivize staff to reach operational goals. Balancing customer service with profitability remains a delicate task, but Aeroméxico’s success this year proves that a focus on timeliness pays dividends.
See the full report here.
