Cirium Reveals the Global Leaders in On-Time Performance for 2024
Aeromexico, the national airline of Mexico, has earned the prestigious title of the most on-time global airline for 2024. With an impressive on-time performance rate of 86.70%, Aeromexico has demonstrated exceptional reliability and operational efficiency in the competitive aviation industry. This recognition was unveiled in Cirium’s 2024 On-Time Performance Review, which highlights airlines and airports that have excelled in punctuality and operational performance throughout the year.
A Showcase of Global Excellence in Airline Performance
Saudia followed closely in second place, achieving an on-time performance rate of 86.35%. Delta Air Lines secured third place with a rate of 83.46%, maintaining its reputation for operational consistency. These results emphasise the ongoing success of these airlines in ensuring that passengers reach their destinations on time, despite the challenges of a complex global travel landscape.
Cirium’s comprehensive review also recognised the top airlines in different regions around the world. Iberia Express claimed the title of the most on-time airline in Europe, while also being named the top-performing low-cost carrier globally. In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan Airlines took the lead, narrowly surpassing its competitor All Nippon Airways. Copa Airlines, based in Latin America, achieved a remarkable 10th win in the region, further solidifying its position as a leader in punctuality. In North America, Delta Air Lines continued to maintain its dominance, while Safair from the Middle East and Africa stood out for its operational excellence.
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport Tops Global Airport Rankings
In the airport categories, Riyadh King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia earned the coveted title of the most on-time global airport for 2024. This airport, serving the capital city, achieved an impressive on-time departure rate of 86.65%, ensuring that passengers experienced smooth and timely journeys. Riyadh’s airport also triumphed in the ‘Large Airport’ category, outperforming several major international hubs in operational efficiency.
Tocumen International Airport in Panama was named the most on-time medium-sized airport, while Guayaquil Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Ecuador earned recognition as the most on-time small airport. These achievements showcase the dedication of airports across different regions to provide seamless travel experiences.
Delta and El Dorado International Receive Prestigious Platinum Awards
Delta Air Lines was once again honoured with Cirium’s Platinum Award for operational excellence. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Delta has secured this accolade, demonstrating the airline’s unwavering commitment to punctuality and customer satisfaction. The Platinum Award, which takes into account the complexity of a carrier’s network, the volume of flights, and the management of disruptions, recognises Delta’s remarkable ability to maintain a high on-time performance rate across over 1.7 million flights in 2024.
In a historic moment for the aviation industry, El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia, received the first-ever Platinum Award for airports. This prestigious award acknowledges the airport’s outstanding operational performance, considering factors such as delay management, passenger experience, and operational complexity.
Acknowledging Operational Resilience in a Challenging Year
2024 proved to be a challenging year for airlines and airports due to unforeseen IT disruptions and extreme weather events. However, the carriers and airports recognised in Cirium’s On-Time Performance Review demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to provide on-time services and ensuring passengers’ journeys were as smooth as possible despite external challenges.
Cirium’s CEO, Jeremy Bowen, celebrated the achievements of the winners: “We are incredibly proud to recognise the airlines and airports that have set new standards in punctuality and operational performance. The results of this year’s On-Time Performance Review reflect their dedication to providing customers with timely and reliable services, even in the face of significant challenges.”
