The World’s Most Punctual Airlines and Airports in 2024: Who Made the Cut?

Cirium, a leading aviation analytics firm, has unveiled the results of its 2024 On-Time Performance Review, recognizing the airlines and airports that achieved exceptional punctuality and operational efficiency.

This annual report is widely regarded as the industry’s benchmark for evaluating timeliness. A flight is deemed punctual if it arrives within 14 minutes and 59 seconds of its scheduled time at the gate. For airports, punctuality is determined by the percentage of flights that depart within the same time frame of their scheduled departure.

Aeroméxico Takes the Crown

Aeroméxico, the national carrier of Mexico, earned the title of “Most Punctual Global Airline” for 2024, boasting an outstanding on-time performance rate of 86.70%. Saudia claimed second place with 86.35%, while Delta Air Lines secured third with 83.46%, showcasing its consistent reliability.

In regional categories, other airlines also made their mark:

• Europe: Iberia Express emerged as the most punctual airline, doubling as the top-performing low-cost carrier worldwide.
• Asia-Pacific: Japan Airlines ranked first, followed closely by All Nippon Airways.
• North America: Delta Air Lines continued to dominate.
• Latin America: Copa Airlines claimed its tenth title for punctuality.
• Middle East and Africa: FlySafair earned the region’s top spot.

Riyadh Airport Shines Globally

In the airport rankings, Riyadh King Khalid International Airport took the top honor as the “Most Punctual Global Airport” for 2024, with 86.65% of flights departing on time. It also secured the title of “Most Punctual Large Airport,” surpassing other key hubs worldwide.

Other notable winners in the airport categories include:

• Medium Airports: Tocumen International Airport in Panama, Copa Airlines' home base.
• Small Airports: José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Celebrating Operational Excellence: Cirium Platinum Awards

Delta Air Lines was honored with Cirium’s Platinum Award for Global Operational Excellence for the fourth consecutive year. This recognition goes beyond punctuality, evaluating factors such as network complexity, flight volume, and resilience in minimizing disruptions. Delta operated over 1.7 million flights in 2024 with an impressive on-time performance rate of 83.46%.

For the first time, Cirium introduced a Platinum Award for airports, with Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport taking the inaugural title. This award factors in not only punctuality but also growth, complexity, and passenger impact during delays, setting a new standard for airport excellence.

Overcoming Challenges in 2024

Cirium CEO Jeremy Bowen acknowledged the hurdles faced by the aviation industry in 2024, including IT disruptions and unseasonable weather. “Despite these challenges, airlines and airports have worked tirelessly to ensure seamless travel experiences for passengers,” Bowen said.

He also praised standout performers like Delta Air Lines, Copa Airlines, Iberia Express, and Bogotá’s El Dorado Airport, noting their dedication to setting new benchmarks in operational excellence.

The Definitive Measure of Punctuality

Now in its 16th edition, the Cirium On-Time Performance Review remains the go-to source for assessing the reliability of airlines and airports worldwide. With data sourced from over 600 real-time streams, including airlines, airports, and civil aviation authorities, the report provides an unbiased and comprehensive analysis of the industry.

As the aviation world continues to evolve, these awards highlight the critical importance of punctuality and operational efficiency, setting the stage for even greater achievements in 2025.