Cirium, the world’s most trusted source of aviation analytics, has released its highly-anticipated annual On-Time Performance Review, revealing the most on-time airlines in America and across the globe for 2023.
Now in its 15th year, Cirium’s On-Time Performance program uses extensive data derived from over 600 real-time information sources, including airlines, airports, global distribution systems, civil aviation authorities and more, to give travelers an accurate and unbiased review of airline operational performance and punctuality yearly.
With each On-Time Performance Review, Cirium ranks and recognizes the year’s top-performing U.S. and global airlines with coveted awards that celebrate and honor operating excellence. According to the Cirium 2023 On-Time Performance Review: “This year’s winners, hailing from every corner of the globe, have not only risen to the occasion but have set new benchmarks in operational performance and punctuality.”
Avianca Airlines was the global leader in punctuality with the most on-time flights in 2023. Avianca flew a total of 213,039 flights last year and 85.73% of those flights were on time.
Following Avianca’s lead for the most on-time flights in 2023 are global winners Azul Airlines with 310,972 flights and an on-time flight percentage of 85.51, Qatar Airlines with 183,090 and an on-time flight percentage of 85.11, Delta Airlines with 1,635,486 flights and an on-time flight percentage of 84.72 and Iberia with 170,750 flights and an on-time flight percentage of 84.38. To be considered on time, a flight must arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled gate arrival.
In North America, Delta Airlines took the lead for punctuality, boasting an 84.72% on-time arrival rate across 1,635,486 flights in 2023. Delta Airlines also took the crown as Cirium’s Platinum Award winner for the third year in a row due to its commitment to operational performance and minimizing passenger disruption.
Other leading airlines for punctuality in North America for 2023 include Alaska Airlines with 404,925 flights and an on-time flight percentage of 82.25%, American Airlines with 1,998,844 flights and an on-time flight percentage of 80.61, United Airlines with 1,513,432 flights and an on-time flight percentage of 80.04 and Southwest Airlines with 1,459,926 flights and an on-time flight percentage of 76.26.
“It’s incredible to witness Delta Air Lines winning its third consecutive Platinum Award and topping the North American Category. Other airline and airport winners steered through the year’s operational hurdles with exceptional performance. Their relentless pursuit of efficiency and punctuality is commendable as we venture into 2024, a year brimming with promise for the aviation sector,” says Cirium CEO Jeremy Bowen.
To read the full 2023 Cirium On-Time Performance Review and discover the leading airlines in other regions, click here.
