Saudi Arabian national carrier Saudia has claimed the top position in global on-time airline rankings for March 2025, with an impressive 94.07% of its flights landing on schedule, according to the latest report from Cirium.
In a month marked by an overall increase in flight cancellations globally, Saudia emerged as a leader in operational efficiency. The airline achieved this feat across 16,005 flights, reinforcing its status as a key player in the aviation sector, while several Middle Eastern airports, including Saudia’s secondary hub in Riyadh, stood out for their punctuality.
A Global Snapshot of On-Time Performance
March 2025 showed a significant rise in punctuality worldwide, despite a challenging month for the aviation industry. A 13% increase in flight cancellations compared to February, totaling over 46,000 disruptions, was reported globally. However, airlines and airports demonstrated resilience, with on-time performance improving by up to 14 percentage points in some regions.
Saudia’s 94.07% on-time performance places it at the top of the rankings, followed by Scandinavian Airlines, Aeromexico, and Qatar Airways. The performance of these airlines highlights a broader trend of improving punctuality in the industry, even amid the increase in cancellations. Saudia, Scandinavian Airlines, and Qatar Airways all reported higher on-time rates in March than in February, showcasing their ongoing efforts to streamline operations.
While Saudia took the lead globally, the regional landscape also saw notable shifts. Scandinavian Airlines achieved a 91.92% on-time performance, while Aeromexico and Qatar Airways reported 91.47% and 90.90%, respectively. This uptick in on-time arrivals signals a more stable and efficient global airline industry, despite the occasional disruption.
Middle Eastern Airports Shine in Global Rankings
In terms of airport punctuality, the Middle East was the clear standout. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport led the charge, with an impressive 93.92% of its departures arriving on time. Istanbul Airport and Doha Hamad International Airport secured second and third places, respectively. These figures reflect the growing importance of the Middle East as a hub for global air travel, with airports in the region becoming increasingly adept at managing traffic and ensuring timely departures.
These results reflect a broader trend within the Middle East, where both airlines and airports have been investing heavily in infrastructure and operational efficiency. The rise in punctuality within the region has positioned Middle Eastern airports as key players in the global aviation industry.
The Impact of Rising Cancellations
Although punctuality improved, March also saw a concerning rise in flight cancellations, with the total number of global cancellations increasing by 13% compared to the previous month. In the Asia Pacific region, cancellations surged by nearly 9,000, reaching 24,169. The rise in cancellations can largely be attributed to capacity issues, especially in Europe, where airlines struggled to meet the increasing demand for air travel.
The Middle East and Africa also saw a slight uptick in cancellations, rising by about 1,100 to 2,613 cancellations in total. In contrast, North America reported a decrease in cancellations, with around 4,000 fewer cancellations than in February, dropping to 9,554.
Eurocontrol, the European Union’s air traffic control agency, has warned that flight delays are expected to rise again in the upcoming summer months. The agency forecasts a 5% increase in flight traffic compared to last year, which could lead to even higher delay rates due to capacity constraints. This projection serves as a reminder of the pressures facing airlines and airports as they work to balance growing demand with operational challenges.
Flight Cancellations and the Road Ahead
Despite the increase in cancellations, airlines continue to focus on improving their operational efficiencies. The aviation sector’s resilience in the face of disruptions is a testament to the ongoing efforts of airlines and airports to adapt to the challenges posed by the global demand for air travel.
Interestingly, the rise in cancellations in the first half of 2024 mirrors trends seen in previous years. In particular, China and Canada have historically recorded the highest cancellation rates, underscoring the systemic issues that continue to plague certain markets. However, as the industry looks ahead, there is optimism that these disruptions can be managed effectively, particularly with the ongoing development of new technologies and processes aimed at improving punctuality.
As the summer travel season approaches, the industry’s focus will likely remain on maintaining and improving punctuality while managing the expected increase in flight traffic. The latest data from Cirium suggests that airlines will continue to invest in operational improvements to stay ahead of these challenges.
