Air travel demand soared in 2024, fueled by a resurgence in international trips. According to the International Air Transport Association, revenue-passenger miles worldwide increased by nearly 11% from January to October compared to the previous year. Looking ahead to 2025, the IATA projects a total of 40 million aircraft departures, marking a 4.6% rise from 2024.
Amid this uptick in travel, airlines faced various challenges, including shortages of new aircraft and financial difficulties. Despite these obstacles, many carriers managed to add flights and expand premium seating options, which generated higher revenue, particularly on long-haul journeys. Fortunately, passengers experienced fewer flight disruptions than seen during the acute staffing shortages following the pandemic.
The most recent ranking of on-time airlines, released by Cirium, showcased carriers from around the world that excelled in punctuality. Delta Air Lines emerged as the top North American airline, despite its struggles to recover from the CrowdStrike outage that led to thousands of flight cancellations in July.
## Global Rankings
1. Aeromexico (86.7%)
2. Saudia Airlines (86.35%)
3. Delta Air Lines (83.46%)
4. LATAM Airlines (82.89%)
5. Qatar Airways (82.83%)
6. Azul Airlines (82.42%)
7. Avianca (81.80%)
8. Iberia (81.58%)
9. Scandinavian Airlines (81.40%)
10. United Airlines (80.93%)
## North American Rankings
1. Delta Air Lines (83.46%)
2. United Airlines (80.93%)
3. Alaska Airlines (79.25%)
4. American Airlines (77.78%)
5. Southwest Airlines (77.77%)
6. Spirit Airlines (76.05%)
7. JetBlue Airways (74.53%)
8. Frontier Airlines (71.57%)
9. Air Canada (71.36%)
10. WestJet (70.99%)
As travelers continue to navigate the evolving landscape of air travel, these rankings provide valuable insights into the performance of airlines in delivering timely and reliable service. Whether you’re planning a business trip or a vacation, knowing which carriers prioritize punctuality can enhance your overall travel experience. Next time you’re booking a flight, consider the on-time performance of airlines to ensure a smoother journey from takeoff to landing.
