19 Airlines with the Most and Least Flight Delays
Flight delays can be a traveler’s worst nightmare, causing missed connections, extended layovers, and disrupted schedules. While some airlines are known for their punctuality and efficiency, others struggle with consistent delays. Based on Cirium’s 2024 On-Time Performance Review, we’ve ranked 19 major airlines from the most to the least delayed, helping you choose the best carrier for a stress-free journey.
1. The Most Delayed: Frontier Airlines – 33.30% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 66.70%
Frontier Airlines tops the list as the airline with the most delays, with one in three flights arriving late. As an ultra-low-cost carrier, its tight scheduling and operational constraints contribute to frequent delays, making it a risk for travelers with tight itineraries.
Why It’s Often Delayed:
- Minimal buffer time between flights leads to cascading delays.
- Heavy reliance on secondary airports, which may have fewer resources for quick turnarounds.
2. WestJet – 32.00% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 68.00%
WestJet, a leading Canadian airline, has faced significant delays in recent years, particularly on high-traffic domestic routes. While its customer service is highly rated, operational inefficiencies have affected punctuality.
Why It’s Often Delayed:
- Severe Canadian winter weather affecting airport operations.
- Busy flight corridors leading to air traffic congestion.
3. Air Canada – 30.00% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 70.00%
Air Canada, the country’s flag carrier, has been notorious for delays, especially during peak travel seasons. Despite offering luxury services and global connections, it struggles with long turnaround times and congested hubs.
Why It’s Often Delayed:
- Major hubs like Toronto Pearson are among the busiest airports in the world.
- Frequent mechanical issues and operational bottlenecks.
4. JetBlue Airways – 29.90% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 70.10%
JetBlue is known for affordable fares and great in-flight amenities, but it struggles with delays due to its reliance on busy East Coast airports.
Why It’s Often Delayed:
- New York JFK, one of its main hubs, is among the most congested airports in the U.S.
- Winter storms and hurricanes frequently impact flight schedules.
5. Spirit Airlines – 28.80% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 71.20%
Like Frontier, Spirit’s low-cost model leads to frequent delays, as the airline operates with a limited fleet and high flight frequency.
Why It’s Often Delayed:
- Tight flight schedules leave little room for adjustments.
- Operational disruptions, including maintenance issues.
6. Qantas Airways – 26.20% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 73.80%
Australia’s flagship airline has struggled with delays due to post-pandemic travel surges and staff shortages.
Why It’s Often Delayed:
- Long-haul international routes require precise scheduling.
- Air traffic congestion in major hubs like Sydney and Melbourne.
7. Southwest Airlines – 22.23% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 77.77%
Southwest Airlines, despite its strong customer loyalty, faces frequent delays on high-traffic domestic routes.
Why It’s Often Delayed:
- Heavy reliance on a point-to-point network, making disruptions more widespread.
- Weather-related delays in major hubs like Denver and Chicago Midway.
8. American Airlines – 22.22% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 77.78%
As one of the largest carriers in the world, American Airlines operates thousands of flights daily, leading to frequent operational challenges.
Why It’s Often Delayed:
- Crowded hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth and Miami International.
- Large number of connecting flights leading to bottlenecks.
9. United Airlines – 19.07% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 80.93%
United Airlines maintains a stronger on-time performance than most U.S. carriers, but delays still occur.
Why It’s Often Delayed:
- International connections requiring complex logistics.
- Frequent disruptions in busy hubs like Newark and Chicago O’Hare.
10. Delta Air Lines – 16.54% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 83.46%
Delta is one of the most reliable major U.S. airlines, ranking among the top for punctuality and service.
Why It Stands Out:
- Efficient fleet management and operational excellence.
- Well-maintained hubs in Atlanta and Minneapolis-St. Paul.
11. Japan Airlines – 18.00% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 82.00%
Japan Airlines (JAL) is renowned for exceptional service, efficiency, and reliability, making it one of the most punctual airlines in Asia. Despite operating long-haul international routes and busy domestic flights, JAL maintains an impressive on-time record.
Why It Stands Out:
- Japan’s air traffic control system ensures smooth operations, reducing delays.
- Strong operational management and meticulous maintenance standards.
- Fast and efficient baggage handling, allowing quicker turnaround times.
Best Routes for Punctuality: Domestic flights between Tokyo and Osaka, as well as international flights to San Francisco and London, are some of its most on-time routes.
12. LATAM Airlines – 15.00% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 85.00%
LATAM Airlines is the largest carrier in South America and one of the most reliable airlines in the region. Despite challenges such as weather disruptions and complex airport logistics, LATAM has built a reputation for delivering strong on-time performance.
Why It Stands Out:
- Efficient airport hubs in Santiago, Lima, and São Paulo.
- Frequent flight schedules allow flexibility to accommodate delays.
- Investment in fleet upgrades to enhance efficiency and turnaround times.
Best Routes for Punctuality: Flights within Chile, Argentina, and Peru tend to have higher on-time performance than some of its long-haul international routes.
13. Saudia – 13.65% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 86.35%
Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has improved significantly in punctuality and operational efficiency. Known for its premium service and modern fleet, Saudia performs well despite operating in one of the busiest airspaces in the Middle East.
Why It Stands Out:
- State-of-the-art aircraft, including Boeing 787s and Airbus A320neos.
- Well-managed hubs in Riyadh and Jeddah, minimizing congestion.
- Efficient flight scheduling for both domestic and long-haul international routes.
Best Routes for Punctuality: Saudia’s Middle Eastern and European routes, such as flights to Dubai, Cairo, and London, have consistently strong on-time records.
14. Aeromexico – 13.30% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 86.70%
As Mexico’s largest airline, Aeromexico has streamlined its operations in recent years, leading to one of the highest on-time arrival rates in Latin America. Its strong hub network and fleet modernization have significantly improved its performance.
Why It Stands Out:
- Efficient scheduling and quick turnaround times at major hubs.
- High-quality maintenance programs for reducing mechanical-related delays.
- A strong focus on customer service and travel experience.
Best Routes for Punctuality: Domestic routes within Mexico and international flights to Madrid and Los Angeles have among the best on-time records.
15. Iberia Express – 13.00% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 87.00%
As the low-cost subsidiary of Iberia, Iberia Express consistently ranks among Europe’s most punctual airlines. It specializes in short-haul and medium-haul flights across Spain and Europe, with an emphasis on quick turnaround times.
Why It Stands Out:
- Strong operational efficiency and fleet reliability.
- Strategic scheduling and aircraft utilization.
- Well-managed Madrid-Barajas hub, reducing delays.
Best Routes for Punctuality: Iberia Express flights between Madrid, London, Paris, and the Canary Islands are among the most reliable in Europe.
16. Copa Airlines – 11.00% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 89.00%
Copa Airlines has earned a reputation as Latin America’s most punctual airline for several years. Operating out of Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport, Copa has mastered fast and efficient connections between North and South America.
Why It Stands Out:
- The “Hub of the Americas” in Panama allows for seamless transit connections.
- Well-coordinated scheduling to optimize flight paths.
- Fleet consists mainly of Boeing 737 aircraft, improving consistency in operations.
Best Routes for Punctuality: Flights from Panama to Miami, Bogotá, and Lima have strong on-time performance due to Copa’s streamlined operations.
17. FlySafair – 10.00% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 90.00%
FlySafair, a South African low-cost carrier, is Africa’s most punctual airline. It has built a reputation for reliability, despite operating in challenging air traffic conditions across the continent.
Why It Stands Out:
- A focused, point-to-point network with fewer delays.
- Strict adherence to operational efficiency and safety standards.
- Low-cost efficiency without compromising punctuality.
Best Routes for Punctuality: Flights between Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban are among the best on-time performers.
18. All Nippon Airways (ANA) – 9.00% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 91.00%
All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, is widely respected for its exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and operational excellence.
Why It Stands Out:
- Highly organized airport management reduces delays.
- Top-tier aircraft maintenance and strict punctuality protocols.
- Strong partnership with Star Alliance for efficient international operations.
Best Routes for Punctuality: Domestic flights within Japan, such as routes from Tokyo to Osaka and Fukuoka, have among the highest on-time rates globally.
19. Safair – 4.20% Delayed Flights
On-Time Arrival Rate: 95.80%
Safair is the most punctual airline on this list, consistently ranking as one of the most reliable carriers in the world.
Why It Stands Out:
- Exceptional ground operations and efficient aircraft utilization.
- Well-managed scheduling to avoid congestion-related delays.
- Highly disciplined airline operations focused on punctuality.
Best Routes for Punctuality: Flights within South Africa, particularly between Johannesburg and Cape Town, boast industry-leading on-time performance.
