New global punctuality data for November 2025 shows which airlines delivered the highest share of on-time arrivals across major, large, and low-cost carrier categories.
The latest figures by OAG highlight strong performances from Asia, Europe, and Latin America, with several airlines reporting minimal cancellations despite high flight volumes.
Hainan Airlines ranks as the most punctual major carrier, achieving 88.65% on-time performance while operating 21,863 flights. Aeromexico leads the large-airline category with a 91.67% on-time rate and only eight cancellations, while Wizz Air records the highest punctuality among low-cost carriers at 86.72%.
Major carriers report mixed results
Among major airlines—defined as those operating more than 20,000 flights in the month—Asia-based carriers dominate the top of the rankings. Hainan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and SAS Scandinavian Airlines take the first three positions with on-time performance rates of 88.65%, 88.77%, and 87.06% respectively.
European operators also appear prominently, with ITA Airways reporting 88.49% on-time performance and only two cancellations. SunExpress posts an 88.13% punctuality rate and no cancellations during the month. By contrast, several major U.S. carriers show increased disruption due to FAA-imposed restrictions on flights in November, resulting in higher-than-normal cancellation totals.
American Airlines cancels nearly 5,500 flights, representing 2.99% of its schedule, while United Airlines records 4,043 cancellations, or 2.81%. Both carriers maintain on-time performance percentages in the mid- to high-70s despite the operational impacts.
Large and low-cost airlines show strong performance
In the large-airline category—airlines operating between 10,000 and 20,000 flights—Aeromexico leads with a 91.67% on-time rate across 15,223 services. Copa Airlines follows with 88.92% punctuality, while Shandong Airlines reports 87.5%.
European low-cost carrier Wizz Air tops its segment with 86.72% on-time performance and only 19 cancellations. The carrier outperforms other LCCs despite operating more than 11,700 flights during the month. The broader low-cost category shows varied outcomes, reflecting differences in fleet size, network reach, and operational complexity.
In the Middle East, Qatar Airways records 84.33% punctuality and maintains one of the lowest cancellation rates among regional airlines. Saudi Arabian Airlines reports an 85.45% on-time rate from more than 17,000 flights, while Emirates posts 75.68% with fewer than 20 cancellations.
Across Asia, North East Asia remains the highest-performing region, with strong results from carriers including China Eastern Airlines, Spring Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines. In Europe, Swiss reports 82.25% punctuality, while Pegasus Airlines reaches 78.97%. Latin America’s Volaris and WestJet in North America post on-time performance percentages in the mid-70s.
The latest data underscores continued operational recovery and stabilization across many markets, even as airlines navigate seasonal demand shifts and regional regulatory constraints. The rankings also highlight significant differences in performance between carriers operating dense domestic networks and those serving long-haul international routes.
Industry observers view monthly OTP figures as a key indicator of operational reliability, with punctuality playing an increasing role in consumer choice. The November rankings show strong results across multiple regions despite operational pressures, with several airlines reporting fewer than 20 cancellations during the month.
