Aeroméxico Named Most Punctual Airline in October, Third in 2024

Aeroméxico and Mexico City International Airport (AICM) were recognized as global leaders in operational punctuality for October 2024, according to Cirium. Aeroméxico was named the most punctual airline worldwide for the third consecutive time, while AICM ranked as the third most punctual airport. 

AICM recorded an on-time departure rate of 89.79% in October across 24,560 flights, securing its position as the third most punctual airport globally. This achievement placed AICM just behind Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) in the United States, which led with a punctuality rate of 90.69%, and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which recorded a rate of 90.02%. MSP handled 26,144 flights, while Riyadh managed 20,493 flights during the month.

Following AICM, the fourth and fifth spots were occupied by Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and Philadelphia International Airport, respectively, with SLC achieving an on-time rate of 89.56% across 19,533 flights, and Philadelphia at 88.81% with 25,362 flights.

Aeroméxico achieved an on-time performance of 91.88% in October, slightly improving from 91.13% in September. This marked the sixth consecutive month in 2024 that Aeroméxico led global punctuality rankings. Over the month, the airline completed 99.59% of its scheduled flights, with a takeoff efficiency of 93.56%.

“Aeroméxico has demonstrated a consistent commitment to operational excellence and customer service,” Cirium reported. Delta Airlines followed in the rankings with a 90.53% punctuality rate, while Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and United Airlines achieved rates of 89.69% and 88.13%, respectively. Hainan Airlines rounded out the top five with a punctuality score of 87.14%.

The Cirium report also noted the impact of weather events on North American flight schedules in October, with Hurricane Milton contributing to the cancellation of 8,113 flights in the region—up from 6,001 cancellations in September. These cancellations represented 19% of all global cancellations for the month.

In Latin America, flight cancellations increased by 14%, totaling 3,887 in October, compared to 3,424 in September. “Latin America accounted for 9% of global flight cancellations last month, resulting in up to a 6% decline in punctuality across airlines and airports in the region,” Cirium stated.