Aeromexico Tops Global On-Time Performance in 2024, Delta Leads U.S. Carriers
Aeromexico has emerged as the world’s most punctual airline in 2024, achieving an impressive on-time arrival rate of nearly 87%. This achievement comes despite a year marked by severe weather events and technological challenges across the aviation industry.
Delta Air Lines secured the top spot among U.S. carriers and ranked third globally, with an on-time performance rate exceeding 83%. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the significant computer outage the airline experienced in July.
Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, claimed the second position worldwide, boasting an on-time performance rate of just over 86%.
Cirium CEO Jeremy Bowen commended the industry’s resilience, stating, “Airlines have demonstrated remarkable adaptability in maintaining high on-time performance despite the numerous obstacles faced in 2024.”
United Airlines and Alaska Airlines rounded out the top three U.S. carriers, achieving on-time rates of nearly 81% and just over 79%, respectively. In contrast, WestJet, Air Canada, and Frontier struggled with punctuality, recording on-time ratings below 72% among U.S. and Canadian airlines.
On the global stage, Japan Airlines, Iberia Express, Copa Airlines, and FlySafair were recognized as regional leaders in on-time performance.
Airports also played a crucial role in overall punctuality. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh led the pack with nearly 87% of flights departing on time. Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima and Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport followed closely, both achieving over 84% on-time departures.
The year was not without its challenges, particularly for Delta Air Lines. A faulty upgrade from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike led to a major outage in July, resulting in widespread disruptions. Delta has since filed a lawsuit against CrowdStrike, alleging $500 million in losses. CrowdStrike, however, contends that other airlines recovered more swiftly from the same outage.
As the aviation industry continues to navigate technological advancements and unpredictable weather patterns, airlines’ ability to maintain punctuality remains a key factor in passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency.
By
