The aviation industry faces increasing challenges in maintaining on-time schedules, with an estimated 38.9 million flights projected for 2025. Factors like staffing shortages, unpredictable weather, and geopolitical tensions are complicating operations. According to the aviation analytics firm Cirium, the structural constraints affecting the industry have transitioned from temporary disruptions to ongoing issues. Their report, titled “On-Time Performance Review 2025,” identifies 12 airports and airlines that excelled in punctuality, significantly enhancing passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Top Performers in Punctuality
Leading the world in performance and reliability, Istanbul Airport (IST) was awarded the title of Platinum Winner airport for 2025. This Turkish mega-hub handles over 84 million passengers annually across 330 destinations. Notably, in April 2025, it became Europe’s first airport to implement triple independent runway operations, increasing its capacity from 120 to 148 movements per hour. Despite its complexity, Cirium reports that Istanbul Airport achieved an on-time performance (OTP) of 80.72%, ranking it No. 19 globally among large airports.
In the large airport category, Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Chile emerged as the best performer, boasting an impressive 87.04% punctuality across 153,326 flights. The airport’s recent upgrade with a new terminal has significantly enhanced its capacity. Meanwhile, Tocumen International Airport in Panama excelled as the best-performing medium-sized airport, achieving 93.34% punctuality. In the small airport category, Guayaquil José Joaquín de Olmedo International in Ecuador led with 91.47% punctuality.
Airline Achievements and Trends
The Platinum Winner for airlines, Qatar Airways, also recognized as the world’s best airline by Skytrax in 2025, achieved an OTP of 84.42% across 198,303 flights. Cirium highlighted the airline’s ability to adapt during disruptions caused by geopolitical airspace constraints and weather issues. “Qatar got passengers where they needed to go,” the report noted, emphasizing their effective use of operational data to ensure timely travel.
In the on-time performance category alone, Aeroméxico was recognized as the top airline, delivering 90.02% punctuality over 188,859 flights. Philippine Airlines led the Asia-Pacific region with 83.12% punctuality, notable given the congestion at its base, Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
In North America, Delta Air Lines claimed the top spot with an OTP of 80.9% across more than 1.8 million flights. Despite facing challenges such as air traffic control system issues and a prolonged government shutdown, Delta demonstrated resilience.
In Europe, Iberia Express maintained its position as the top airline for the third consecutive year, achieving 88.94% punctuality across 37,119 flights. The airline navigated significant challenges, including a major power outage and software issues impacting its Airbus A320 fleet.
In Latin America, Copa Airlines was recognized for achieving 90.75% punctuality across 133,748 flights. This region is projected to account for 8.5% of global passenger traffic in 2025, according to Airports Council International. Lastly, FlySafair topped the Middle East and Africa region with 91.06% punctuality across 62,805 flights. Virgin Atlantic was acknowledged as the Most Improved Airline, raising its punctuality from 74.01% in 2023 to 83.45% in 2025.
Cirium’s “On-Time Performance Review 2025” highlights a complex landscape where airlines and airports continue to adapt, ensuring that operational excellence remains a priority in the face of ongoing challenges.
