Aeroplane passengers. Credit: Pixabay, juno1412
For expats and frequent flyers across Europe, choosing the right airline can make or break travel plans.
Cirium’s On-Time Performance Report for February 2025 has revealed the most punctual airlines and airports in Europe and the rest of the world, helping passengers make informed choices while booking their next trip.
Iberia airline leads Europe for punctuality
If you’re flying within Europe, Iberia (IB) is your safest bet for on-time travel. The airline recorded a 91.25 per cent on-time arrival rate, outperforming Austrian Airlines at 90.65 per cent and Air Europa 89.71 per cent.
Other well-performing European airlines included Vueling (89.35 per cent), SAS (87.38 per cent), and British Airways (86.89 per cent).
Aeromexico takes global top spot
Looking beyond Europe, Aeromexico (AM) claimed the top global spot: ‘Aeromexico led globally with 92.87 per cent on-time arrivals, followed by Iberia (91.25 per cent) and Qatar Airways (87.24 per cent).’
Other top performing airlines included:
- Cathay Pacific (84.96 per cent) – Asia-Pacific’s best performer
- Southwest Airlines (82.27 per cent) – Top in North America
- Safair (95.66 per cent) – Leading in the Middle East and Africa
London Heathrow Airport stands out for on-time departures
Airports also play a crucial role in travel efficiency, and London Heathrow (LHR) ranked among Europe’s top performers, with an 86.79 per cent on-time departure rate.
Globally, Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) topped the list, with 88.98 per cent of flights departing on time.
Other top-performing European airports include:
- Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) – 88.91 per cent
- Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) – 88.21 per cent
- Vienna International Airport (VIE) – 87.37 per cent
Fewer flight cancellations in February 2025
The report highlights a notable decrease in flight cancellations, particularly in Europe, which saw 8,261 cancelled flights – far less than North America (13,587) and Asia-Pacific (15,357).
As summer approaches, keeping an eye on these punctuality rankings via the Cirium website could help avoid travel headaches.
View all travel news.
