Maintaining good on-time performance is crucial for low-cost airlines in balancing affordability and reliability, guaranteeing seamless travel for millions of customers throughout the world.
In 2024, some LCCs will set operational excellence standards, combining low-cost travel with exceptional punctuality. These results demonstrate budget airlines’ capacity to provide consistent, timely service in an increasingly competitive industry.
Low-Cost Airlines On-Time Performance
In the competitive field of low-cost aviation, numerous airlines emerged as leaders in timeliness in 2024.
Cirium’s most recent analysis ranks the top ten low-cost carriers worldwide based on on-time performance (OTP), demonstrating their commitment to dependability and efficiency.
| Airline (Code) | On-Time Arrival | Tracked Flights | Completion Factor | Total Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iberia Express (I2) | 84.69% | 99.57% | 99.49% | 44,140 |
| Gol (G3) | 84.09% | 99.68% | 98.78% | 211,944 |
| Azul (AD) | 82.42% | 98.69% | 96.70% | 321,996 |
| Peach Aviation (MM) | 82.32% | 98.57% | 99.45% | 57,967 |
| Vueling (VY) | 81.20% | 98.84% | 99.09% | 223,567 |
| Allegiant Air (G4) | 79.31% | 95.34% | 98.56% | 117,059 |
| Norwegian (DY) | 79.23% | 92.16% | 99.18% | 84,585 |
| Indonesia AirAsia (QZ) | 78.97% | 99.37% | 96.36% | 42,426 |
| Southwest Airlines (WN) | 77.77% | 99.69% | 99.38% | 1,451,019 |
| Thai AirAsia (FD) | 77.46% | 98.99% | 99.97% | 125,338 |
1. Iberia Express (I2)
- On-Time Arrival: 84.69%
- Total Flights: 44,140
With an OTP of 84.69% across 44,140 flights, Spain’s Iberia Express (I2) has cemented its position as Europe’s leading low-cost airline. Its near-perfect recorded flight rate of 99.57% and outstanding completion factor of 99.49% demonstrate its operational reliability.
Iberia Express’ success reflects its commitment to punctuality without sacrificing price, making it a popular choice for intra-European flights.
2. Gol (G3)
- On-Time Arrival: 84.09%
- Total Flights: 211,944
Brazil’s Gol Linhas Aéreas (G3) achieved an excellent OTP of 84.09% across 211,944 flights in 2024, firmly establishing itself as South America’s foremost low-cost airline.
With a completion record of 98.78% and a high tracked flight rate, Gol proven its capacity to provide dependable service in both domestic and international markets.
Its operational excellence emphasizes its commitment to punctuality and customer satisfaction, setting a high standard for efficiency throughout the region.
3. Azul (AD)
- On-Time Arrival: 82.42%
- Total Flights: 321,996
Azul Linhas Aéreas (AD), another Brazilian carrier, achieved an OTP of 82.42% throughout an impressive 321,996 flights. Azul’s ability to manage such a high volume of flights while maintaining operational reliability demonstrates its critical role in South America’s aviation sector.
Azul’s achievements demonstrate its commitment to balance price and punctuality, ensuring passengers have smooth, on-time travels.
4. Peach Aviation (MM)
- On-Time Arrival: 82.32%
- Total Flights: 57,967
Japan’s Peach Aviation (MM) had excellent timeliness, with an OTP of 82.32% across 57,967 flights.
The airline’s completion factor of 99.45% demonstrates its ability to supply consistent services, particularly in the competitive Asian low-cost market.
5. Vueling (VY)
- On-Time Arrival: 81.20%
- Total Flights: 223,567
Vueling Airlines (VY) of Spain achieved an On-Time Performance of 81.20% on 223,567 flights, reinforcing its status as one of Europe’s premier low-cost carriers.
With a completion percentage of 99.09%, Vueling proven its capacity to provide dependable and timely services.
6. Allegiant Air (G4)
- On-Time Arrival: 79.31%
- Total Flights: 117,059
Allegiant Air (G4), a well-known low-cost carrier in the United States, earned an On-Time Performance of 79.31% over 117,059 flights. Its completion rate of 98.56% demonstrates its dedication to operational reliability.
Allegiant Air’s success is based on its ability to provide economical travel options while ensuring that passengers receive prompt and efficient service.
7. Norwegian (DY)
- On-Time Arrival: 79.23%
- Total Flights: 84,585
Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY) achieved an OTP of 79.23% across 84,585 flights, demonstrating its consistency in the European low-cost segment.
Norwegian maintained outstanding service standards despite operational problems, achieving a completion factor of 99.18%.
The airline’s commitment to punctuality guarantees that it remains a reliable alternative for consumers looking for economical travel options.
8. Indonesia AirAsia (QZ)
- On-Time Arrival: 78.97%
- Total Flights: 42,426
Indonesia AirAsia (QZ) achieved an OTP of 78.97% on 42,426 flights, demonstrating its operational efficiency in the rapidly expanding Southeast Asian aviation sector.
With a completion factor of 96.36%, the airline established its ability to mix affordability and dependability.
9. Southwest Airlines (WN)
- On-Time Arrival: 77.77%
- Total Flights: 1,451,019
Southwest Airlines (WN), the largest carrier on this list by flying volume, achieved an OTP of 77.77% across 1,451,019 flights.
Its remarkable completion factor of 99.38% demonstrates its capacity to handle a large operation while preserving service quality. Southwest’s emphasis on operational stability distinguishes them in the US low-cost market.
Notably, Southwest Airlines flew the most total flights (1,451,019) while maintaining a high completion percentage of 99.38%.
10. Thai AirAsia (FD)
- On-Time Arrival: 77.46%
- Total Flights: 125,338
Thai AirAsia (FD) achieved an OTP of 77.46% on 125,338 flights, confirming its position as Asia’s premier low-cost carrier. With an almost flawless completion percentage of 99.97%, the airline displayed its dedication to punctuality and operational excellence.
Thai AirAsia’s achievements demonstrate its capacity to provide reliable, cost-effective travel options to passengers around the area.
Expert Opinion
Isaac Pato, Cirium’s Senior Data Analyst, discusses how low-cost carriers (LCCs) are redefining operational benchmarks by combining price and good on-time performance.
These airlines have demonstrated that efficiency and dependability can coexist, establishing new benchmarks in the competitive aviation sector.
Leading the pace is Spain’s Iberia Express (I2), which demonstrates operational excellence with an exceptional On-Time Performance (OTP) of 84.69% across 44,140 flights. Its constant commitment to punctuality has established it as a market leader in the European low-cost sector.
Iberia Express provides constant reliability not only on intra-European routes, but also for leisure and business travel, guaranteeing passengers have a smooth journey.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s Gol Linhas Aéreas (G3) excels in operational efficiency in South America, with an OTP of 84.09% across 211,944 trips.
Gol establishes a high standard for regional domestic and international travel by maintaining high flight volumes and consistent punctuality.
Azul Linhas Aéreas (AD), another well-known Brazilian carrier, excels at high-volume operations, with an OTP of 82.42% spanning an impressive 321,996 flights. Azul finds a balance between dependability and operational demand, making it a pillar of Brazil’s aviation business.
These airlines demonstrate a dedication to providing excellent service without sacrificing price. By focusing on operational excellence, they are redefining passenger expectations and strengthening their position as low-cost airline leaders.
Bottom Line
The accomplishments of these airlines set a new benchmark for low-cost travel. Carriers such as Iberia Express, Gol, and Azul demonstrate that affordability and dependability can coexist by putting punctuality and operational excellence first.
As the aviation business evolves, its success serves as a model for others to emulate, ensuring that passengers around the world benefit from efficient, on-time transportation.
Which low-cost airline had the best on-time performance in 2024?
Iberia Express led the low-cost carriers with an on-time arrival rate of 84.69% in 2024.
How is on-time performance measured for airlines?
On-time performance is typically measured by the percentage of flights that arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time.
Why is on-time performance important for airlines?
High on-time performance indicates reliability and efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational effectiveness.
Do low-cost airlines generally have lower on-time performance compared to full-service carriers?
Not necessarily. Some low-cost airlines achieve high on-time performance, comparable to or even exceeding that of full-service carriers.
Where can I find updated information on airline punctuality rankings?
Organizations like Cirium and OAG regularly publish reports on airline on-time performance, providing up-to-date rankings.
