On-time arrivals are flights that arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled time. From January through October alone, revenue-passenger miles worldwide, a demand metric, was up nearly 11% over last year, according to the International Air Transport Association. In 2025, IATA estimates aircraft departures of 40 million, up 4.6% from 2024. Airlines scrambled to add flights and increase premium seating, which brings in higher revenue, especially on long-haul trips.
Challenges from financial strife continued for some carriers, however, many passengers didn't face the same flight disruptions as they did during acute staffing shortages coming out of the pandemic.An Aeromexico airplane prepares to land on the airstrip at Benito Juarez international airport in Mexico City, Mexico. The most on-time airlines spanned the globe, according to a ranking released Thursday by Cirium. The aviation data firm considers punctuality an arrival that occurs within 15 minutes of the scheduled time