November 2025 brought a fresh batch of global airline punctuality data, shining a spotlight on which carriers kept travelers moving on time—and which ones found themselves grounded by delays and cancellations. According to the latest figures published by OAG and corroborated by industry sources, airlines from Asia, Europe, and Latin America dominated the top spots for on-time performance (OTP), while several major U.S. carriers grappled with operational challenges spurred by regulatory restrictions.
For passengers weary of flight delays, the new rankings offer both reassurance and a few surprises. Hainan Airlines, a major player in Asia, emerged as the most punctual among major carriers, achieving an impressive 88.65% on-time performance while operating a hefty 21,863 flights in November alone. That’s no small feat, considering the complexity of modern airline operations and the sheer volume of flights involved. Not far behind, China Southern Airlines and SAS Scandinavian Airlines secured second and third place among major airlines, with OTP rates of 88.77% and 87.06% respectively. These numbers underscore a broader trend: Asian and European operators are excelling at keeping their schedules tight, even as global travel rebounds.
The story is just as compelling in the large-airline category—defined as carriers operating between 10,000 and 20,000 flights per month. Aeromexico, representing Latin America, soared to the top with a remarkable 91.67% on-time rate across 15,223 flights, and only eight cancellations. Copa Airlines, another Latin American standout, followed with an 88.92% punctuality rate, while China’s Shandong Airlines reported 87.5%. These figures highlight the operational discipline of airlines outside the traditional North American and European powerhouses.
Low-cost carriers (LCCs) are often viewed as the wild cards of the airline industry, juggling tight turnarounds and extensive networks. Yet, Wizz Air, a European LCC, defied expectations by leading its segment with an 86.72% on-time performance and just 19 cancellations, despite handling more than 11,700 flights in November. That’s a testament to the carrier’s focus on efficiency and reliability—qualities that matter more than ever to cost-conscious travelers.
European airlines, too, had plenty to cheer about. ITA Airways, the Italian flag carrier, stood out with an 88.49% OTP and only two cancellations. Turkish carrier SunExpress went one better, reporting no cancellations during the month and an OTP level of 88.13%. Swiss managed an 82.25% punctuality rate, while Pegasus Airlines hit 78.97%. These numbers reflect a broader stabilization across European aviation, as airlines adjust to shifting demand and regulatory landscapes.
But it wasn’t all smooth flying. In the United States, several major carriers faced turbulence in November. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed flight restrictions that contributed to a spike in cancellations. American Airlines cancelled nearly 5,500 flights—representing 2.99% of its schedule—while United Airlines cancelled 4,043 flights, or 2.81%. Despite these disruptions, both airlines managed to keep their on-time performance percentages in the mid- to high-70s, a testament to their resilience in the face of regulatory and operational headwinds.
Meanwhile, the Middle East and Asia continued to post strong results. Qatar Airways recorded an 84.33% punctuality rate with just one cancellation, maintaining its reputation for reliability. Saudi Arabian Airlines reported an 85.45% on-time rate from over 17,000 flights, while Emirates posted a 75.68% OTP with fewer than 20 cancellations. Across North East Asia, carriers such as China Eastern Airlines, Spring Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines contributed to the region’s status as the world’s highest-performing for punctuality during the month.
Latin America’s Volaris and North America’s WestJet posted on-time performance percentages in the mid-70s, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities facing airlines in the Americas. The data, as reported by OAG and other industry outlets, highlights a continued operational recovery and stabilization across many markets, even as airlines navigate seasonal demand shifts and evolving regional regulations.
How exactly is airline OTP calculated? The industry standard, as outlined by OAG, is straightforward: a flight is considered on time if it arrives at the gate within 15 minutes of its scheduled arrival time. Anything later—plus any cancellations—counts as not on time. It’s a simple metric, but one that carries significant weight for both airlines and consumers. Monthly OTP figures are seen as a key indicator of operational reliability, shaping consumer choice and influencing airline reputations worldwide.
The November 2025 rankings also reveal intriguing differences between carriers operating dense domestic networks and those focusing on long-haul international routes. Airlines with sprawling domestic operations often face more disruptions due to weather, air traffic control, and other factors, while long-haul carriers must contend with the complexities of international regulations and airport congestion. Despite these challenges, several airlines managed to report fewer than 20 cancellations during the month—a remarkable achievement in an industry where unpredictability is the norm.
Industry observers note that punctuality is becoming an increasingly important factor in consumer decision-making. While price and route network remain crucial, travelers are paying closer attention to reliability, especially as global travel recovers from years of pandemic-related upheaval. The latest OTP data suggests that airlines are rising to the challenge, investing in operational improvements and working closely with regulators to minimize disruptions.
Of course, numbers only tell part of the story. Behind every on-time arrival is a complex web of coordination between pilots, ground crews, air traffic controllers, and support staff. Achieving high OTP rates requires not just efficient scheduling, but also the ability to adapt quickly to unexpected events—be it a sudden storm, a technical glitch, or a regulatory change. In that sense, the November rankings are as much a testament to human ingenuity and teamwork as they are to operational discipline.
For travelers planning their next trip, the message is clear: punctuality matters, and some airlines are setting the bar higher than ever. Whether you’re flying across continents or hopping between regional hubs, the latest data provides valuable insight into which carriers are most likely to get you where you need to be—on time and with minimal hassle.
As the aviation industry heads into the busy holiday season and beyond, all eyes will be on whether these trends hold—and which airlines will continue to lead the way in operational reliability. For now, November’s punctuality data offers a rare bit of good news for travelers and a clear signal that, in many corners of the globe, the skies are running on schedule.
