Delta, LATAM, and Qatar Airways Shine in Global Spotlight with Aeromexico for Punctuality Excellence in 2024 - Travel And Tour World

Saturday, January 4, 2025
As global tourism rebounded to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, airports and airlines grappled with soaring passenger volumes and on-time performance challenges. Cirium’s annual report spotlighted the year’s most punctual airlines and airports.
Aeromexico, Mexico’s national carrier, claimed the top spot as the world’s most reliable airline, achieving an impressive 86.7% of its flights arriving within 15 minutes of schedule.
Saudia, previously known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, climbed to second place with an 86.35% on-time rate, a remarkable improvement from its ninth-place ranking in 2023. Delta Air Lines secured third position with 83.46%, while LATAM Airlines (82.89%) and Qatar Airways (82.83%) rounded out the top five.

Global Flight Punctuality Trends See Slight Decline in 2024

Worldwide on-time flight arrivals experienced a minor decline of 0.5% in 2024 compared to 2023. Despite the global dip, regional airlines outshone their international peers in punctuality, with South Africa’s Safair taking the lead at an impressive 93.82%. Oman Air followed with 90.27%, while Panama’s Copa Airlines and Royal Jordanian Airlines secured third and fourth places with 88.22% and 87.02%, respectively.
In Europe, Spain’s Iberia Express achieved 84.69%, maintaining its top position alongside Iberia, which posted 81.58%. In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan Airlines (80.90%) and All Nippon Airways (80.62%) led the pack despite slight declines in performance.
In North America, Delta Air Lines ranked highest, trailed by United Airlines at 80.93% and Alaska Airlines at 79.25%.

Airports Excel in On-Time Departures

Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport claimed the global top spot for punctuality, with over 86% of its flights departing within 15 minutes of their scheduled times. Panama’s Tocumen International Airport led the medium-sized category with 90.34%, while Ecuador’s Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport topped the small airports category with a remarkable 91.38%.

The Importance of Timeliness

Punctuality continues to be a cornerstone of operational success and passenger satisfaction. Delays not only increase costs but also place additional stress on airline crews tasked with managing impacted travelers, underscoring the need for consistent on-time performance.