For millions of air travellers, a flight's timeliness is a crucial factor that shapes their journey. The latest global benchmark for this efficiency is now out. Aviation analytics firm Cirium has released its comprehensive 2025 On-Time Performance (OTP) Review, which analysed over 1.8 million flights worldwide to rank airlines and airports based on their punctuality.
Global and Regional Champions of Punctuality
The review defines an on-time flight as one that arrives or departs within 15 minutes of its scheduled time. This year's global leaderboard saw intense competition. Aeromexico (AM) clinched the top position globally with an impressive 90.02% on-time arrival rate across 188,859 flights. It was closely followed by Saudia (SV) at 86.53% and SAS (SK) at 86.09%. Other notable names in the global top 10 include Qatar Airways (QR) at 84.42% and Delta Air Lines (DL) at 80.90%.
The spotlight for Indian travellers, however, shines on the Asia-Pacific regional rankings. Here, IndiGo (6E) has secured a position among the top 10 most punctual airlines. The Indian low-cost carrier achieved an on-time arrival rate of 78.12%. This performance is particularly significant given the airline's massive scale of operations, with the data covering a substantial 802,418 flights during the review period.
Airports Setting the Standard for Timely Departures
Cirium's review also highlights the world's most efficient airports, categorised by size. For large airports, Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Chile led with 87.04% on-time departures. Among medium-sized hubs, Panama Tocumen International (PTY) excelled with a remarkable 93.34% rate. The small airport category was topped by Guayaquil's José Joaquín de Olmedo International (GYE) in Ecuador, achieving 91.47% on-time departures.
What This Means for Indian Travellers in 2026
IndiGo's presence in the Asia-Pacific top 10, alongside established carriers like Philippine Airlines, Air New Zealand, ANA, and Singapore Airlines, demonstrates that Indian aviation can compete on the critical parameter of operational reliability. For passengers planning their travel in the coming year, these rankings serve as a valuable guide. They highlight carriers and airports that have managed to maintain schedule integrity despite the ongoing operational challenges faced by the global aviation industry.
The data underscores a commitment to efficiency and consistent service. As travellers seek more reliable and predictable journeys, the Cirium On-Time Performance Review offers a data-driven snapshot of which airlines and airports worldwide are prioritising timeliness and operational excellence.
