The 2024 report by Cirium, the global benchmark for analysing the airline industry’s operational performance, confirms Latin America’s excellence in terms of punctuality. From airlines to airports, the region is establishing itself as a key player in an area where reliability and efficiency are essential to building passenger loyalty.
Most Punctual Airlines in Latin America
Copa Airlines: A Decade of Excellence
Copa Airlines retains its title as Latin America’s most punctual airline for the 10ᵉ year running, with on-time departure and arrival rates of 91.77% and 88.22% respectively, the highest in the region. The “Hub of the Americas” at Tocumen International Airport plays a central role in this success, facilitating smooth connections and efficient traffic management.
Aeromexico and LATAM Airlines in the World Top
Aeromexico and LATAM Airlines, the world’s No. 1 and No. 4 airlines respectively, with punctuality rates of 86.7% and 82.89% respectively, are also among the best in the world rankings.
- Aeromexico has an excellent Completion Factor of 99.32%, indicating almost perfect management of its scheduled flights.
- LATAM Airlines, South America’s leading airline, demonstrates that operational efficiency is possible, even with an extensive network.
These performances illustrate the dynamism and professionalism of Latin American carriers, capable of competing with other world leaders such as Delta Air Lines (3rd) and Qatar Airways (4th).
The world’s leading airlines
Latin American Airports: Models of Efficiency
Latin American airports are not to be outdone, with several facilities ranking among the best in the world:
- Lima Jorge Chavez Airport (Peru): With a punctual departure rate of 84.57%, Lima is a strategic hub for the Andean region.
- Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport (Mexico): With a punctual arrival rate of 84.82%, it is positioned as a key player in Latin American aviation.
- Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, Santiago (Chile): Despite a smaller network with 68 routes served, it achieved a departure punctuality rate of 82.84%, demonstrating its efficiency.
With 3 airports in the top 5 worldwide in terms of overall performance, the results for Latin American airports reflect constant efforts to improve the passenger experience, by investing in modern infrastructure and optimising processes.
The world’s top-performing airports in 2024
Platinum award for Bogotá: A historic first
For the first time, Cirium has awarded its prestigious Platinum Award to an airport, and Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport is the recipient.
This distinction, based on various criteria such as delay management, operational complexity and impact on passengers, highlights the excellence of the Colombian capital’s airport as a major hub in the region.
According to Jeremy Bowen, CEO of Cirium:
“Bogotá has set a new standard for airport performance, combining growth, efficiency and customer experience.”
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A Global Framework for Measuring Excellence
The Cirium report, now in its 16ᵉ edition, remains an undisputed benchmark for assessing the performance of airlines and airports.
In 2024, operators faced major challenges, including severe weather disruption and large-scale IT outages. Despite this, Latin American airlines and airports demonstrated their resilience and ability to adapt quickly.
An Inspiration for World Aviation
By combining efficiency, innovation and a commitment to excellence, Latin America continues to position itself as a model for the aviation industry. The results achieved by Copa Airlines, Aeromexico, LATAM Airlines and the region’s major airports show that it is possible to meet challenges while maintaining a high-quality customer experience.
As demand for flights increases, this performance is proof of the central role that Latin America will play in the future of global aviation.
Source and visual: CIRIUM on-time performance 2024
