Ranked: The 10 most punctual airlines worldwide

An airline’s ability to stay punctual affects various areas, including operational costs, workforce efficiency, passenger schedules, and broader economic outcomes.

Timeliness in flight schedules significantly boosts passenger productivity and supports the global economy.

Conversely, flight delays can lead to missed connections, disrupted meetings, and lost opportunities, while timely flights enhance travel experiences and foster customer loyalty.

According to Wipro, disruptions cost the airline industry approximately 8% of its total revenue, amounting to an estimated $60 billion annually.

For instance, Delta CEO, Ed Bastian disclosed that the airline has refunded over 11 million tickets, amounting to $6 billion (R106.6 billion), since the start of 2020, with 20% of refunds issued in 2022.

Bastian also highlighted measures taken to enhance passenger experiences during delays or cancellations, such as offering extra miles and adjusting schedules.

A survey by CMAC group found that nearly 46% of UK travelers reported that their experiences with flight delays or cancellations, coupled with the service received, reduced their likelihood of choosing the same airline for future travel.

On-time performance plays a crucial role in ensuring smoother airport operations, efficient resource utilization, and reduced environmental impact, all of which contribute to economic sustainability.

The OAG Aviation On-Time Performance (OTP) metrics provide insights into the arrival and departure punctuality of over 500 global airlines and 1,200 airports. The OTP data measures the percentage of flights arriving on schedule.

According to the OTP metrics, a flight is classified as on-time if it arrives within 15 minutes of its scheduled time. Cancellations are also included in the analysis and are categorized as not on-time.

Based on the OAG data, the following airlines were identified as the most punctual globally:

The top three airlines this month are Oman Air 95.5%, Safair 94.8% and Fuji Dream Airlines 93.4%.

However, only four African-based airlines ranked among the top 110, reflecting regional challenges in maintaining on-time performance.

Safair (South Africa) leads with an exceptional OTP score of 94.78% (second globally), setting a high standard for punctuality. South African Airways (South Africa) follows with 78.83%, showcasing reliable service despite industry challenges.

Jambojet, based in Eastern Africa (Kenya), achieves 77.89%, reflecting its commitment to timely, affordable air travel.

Lastly, Egyptair (Egypt) records 60.54%, with room for improvement given its extensive network.