SkyTeam Trio Top On-Time Performance for 2024

In the 2024 edition of their best on-time performance report, airline analytics firm Cirium named Aeromexico, Saudia, and Delta Air Lines the most punctual airlines of the year.

Mexico, Saudi Arabia Among the Most On-Time Countries

When it comes to being the best at arriving on time, Aeromexico was named as the best in the world. With an 86.7% on-time performance rate, the Mexican flag carrier narrowly edged out Saudia – which had an on-time rate of 86.35%. Coming in third was Delta Air Lines, arriving to destinations on time in 83.46% of operations. LATAM Airlines and Qatar Airways rounded out the top five in the global airlines category.

But when it comes to the country with the best on-time performance, that honor may go to Saudi Arabia. In addition to having the second-best global airline for arriving in time, Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) was named the most on-time “Global Airport” and “Large Airport.” According to Cirium, 86.65% of flights departing the airport left on schedule. Saudi Arabia edged out Mexico for the honor, with Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) reporting an on-time departure rate of 84.04%, ranking them in third place internationally.

For North America, Delta led the way with a 3% better on-time performance than regional runner-up United Airlines. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all reported on-time flights less than 80% of the time in 2024.

In Europe, Iberia Express and Iberia were named the top regional performers, both with an on-time performance above 81%. Japanese carriers Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways were named the best in the Asia-Pacific region, both arriving on schedule over 80% of the time.

Researchers defined an “on time” flight as one that arrives within 15 minutes of the scheduled gate arrival. For airports, a flight was counted as “on time” if it takes off within 15 minutes of its scheduled departure.