The Most Punctual Airlines and Airports For Last year
Aviation analytics firm Cirium has released its annual rankings of the world’s most punctual airlines and airports, offering a comprehensive overview of on-time performance in 2024. This year’s list highlights the airlines and airports that delivered reliable travel experiences, a welcome relief in a year marked by travel resurgence and occasional turbulence.
Airline Rankings
Aeromexico topped the global rankings as the most punctual airline, joined by Saudia in second place and Delta Air Lines in third. Notably, all three are members of the SkyTeam alliance, showcasing a strong focus on timeliness within the group.
Top 10 Airlines Globally
- Aeromexico
- Saudia
- Delta Air Lines
- LATAM Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Azul Airlines
- Avianca
- Iberia
- Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
- United Airlines
Aeromexico’s achievement was complemented by Saudia’s ongoing expansion, supported by a significant aircraft order aimed at fueling its growth as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism strategy. Delta maintained its strong reputation in North America, with United and Alaska Airlines rounding out the regional rankings.
In Latin America, Panama-based Copa Airlines repeated its win as the region’s most punctual airline, reflecting its commitment to efficiency. Japan Airlines (JAL) led the Asia-Pacific region, narrowly beating All Nippon Airways (ANA), while Safair, a South African low-cost carrier, earned top marks in the Middle East and Africa region.
Airport Standouts
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia secured the title of the world’s most punctual airport, excelling in both the large airport category and overall rankings. Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport and Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport followed in second and third places, respectively.
Top 10 Airports Globally
- 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)
Medium-sized airports were led by Panama Tocumen International Airport, Osaka Itami International Airport, and Brasilia International Airport. In the small airport category, Guayaquil Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Ecuador ranked first, followed by Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport and El Salvador International Airport.
How Rankings Are Determined
Cirium defines “on-time performance” as flights arriving or departing within 14 minutes and 59 seconds of their scheduled time. These rankings account for various factors, including regional performance, size, and passenger volume. However, the data also acknowledges that external factors, such as weather, can significantly impact punctuality.
A Promising Year for Air Travel
This year’s rankings showcase a global aviation industry making strides in operational efficiency. As Aeromexico and Riyadh King Khalid International Airport lead their respective categories, passengers gain valuable insights into the best options for reliable travel. With strong contenders from every region, 2024 underscores the importance of punctuality in delivering seamless travel experiences.
