‍DALLAS — In August 2024, global airlines saw significant improvements in on-time performance (OTP) and reduced flight cancellations across most regions, according to analytics firm Cirium. 

Here are some notable highlights:

Global Overview

Aeromexico (AM) reclaimed the top spot in global airline rankings with an OTP of 86.54%, an impressive 5-point increase from July. Its hub, Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX), also led the global airports category, improving its OTP to 84.33%.

Saudia (SV) followed closely, achieving an OTP of 84.60%, with King Khalid International Airport (RUH) placing second in the global airport rankings.

Avianca (AV) climbed to third place with an OTP of 83.19%, while Azul (AD) and LATAM Airlines (LA) rounded out the top five with similar OTPs of just over 83%.

Regional Performance

Asia-Pacific: Thai AirAsia (FD) led the region with an OTP of 78.98%, followed by Vietnam Airlines, which showed the most significant improvement, from tenth to second place. Singapore Airlines (SQ), Philippine Airlines (PR), and Air New Zealand (NZ) performed well, with substantial OTP improvements.

Europe: SAS (SK) took the lead in Europe with an OTP of 83.53%, improving significantly from its fifth-place rank in July. Iberia Express (I2) and Icelandair (FI) also saw gains, finishing second and third.

North America: Delta Air Lines (DL) surged to first place with an OTP of 80.90%, reflecting an 8-point improvement from July. United Airlines (UA) and Southwest Airlines (WN) also improved, securing second and third places.

Latin America: Copa Airlines (CM) dominated with a 90.65% OTP, while AM followed closely in second place. Gol (G3), AV, and AD filled out the top five.

Middle East & Africa: Safair (FA) maintained its position as the regional leader with a 93.49% OTP. Oman Air (WY) and SV also performed well despite a slight decline in SV's OTP compared to July.

Flight Cancellations

Flight cancellations decreased globally by 5%, with significant reductions in the Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe regions. Latin America was the only region with a 6% increase in cancellations.

Conclusion

August 2024 was a positive month for global airline performance, with many regions experiencing improved OTP and fewer cancellations. AM, CM, and FA were standout performers, reinforcing their leadership positions in on-time performance.