Iberia and Iberia Express Lead Europe in Punctuality for 2024
Spanish carriers Iberia and Iberia Express have earned top rankings for punctuality in 2024, according to the Cirium On-Time Performance Report. Iberia Express claimed the title of the most punctual airline in Europe, with an impressive arrival punctuality rate of 84.69%, also making it the world’s most punctual low-cost carrier for the year. Iberia followed closely behind, securing second place in Europe with 81.58% of its flights arriving on time, making it the eighth most punctual airline globally.
These achievements are particularly remarkable considering the challenges faced by the aviation industry in 2024, including regulatory hurdles in European airspace, congestion at key airports, labor disputes at air traffic control centers, and a global shortage of spare parts. Despite these disruptions, Iberia has consistently maintained its high standards of punctuality, which has become a key expectation for passengers.
Marco Sansavini, President of Iberia, expressed pride in the recognition, emphasizing the airline’s ongoing efforts to improve punctuality. “Punctuality is, without a doubt, what our customers demand the most,” said Sansavini. “We devote all our efforts to maintain the high standards achieved in recent years. While 2024 was a complex year, we aim to review our processes and improve in 2025.”
Iberia Express also took pride in its performance. CEO Carlos Gómez highlighted the dedication of the airline’s staff, particularly in maintaining operational excellence despite a significant increase in flight numbers. “This achievement makes us proud, as it reflects the hard work of our team and our commitment to operational excellence,” said Gómez. “We’re determined to continue this path, facing challenges together to maintain our excellent punctuality.”
Iberia and Iberia Express, both part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), have long been leaders in operational excellence. Iberia has been among the top 10 most punctual airlines in Europe and globally for the last nine years, while Iberia Express has topped punctuality rankings for low-cost carriers in both Europe and worldwide, winning the title for five consecutive years (2014-2018) and continuing its strong performance in 2024.
Cirium’s report commended Iberia Express for maintaining its high punctuality despite expanding its fleet and increasing flight operations. In 2024, Iberia Express surpassed 43,000 annual flights, a milestone for the 13-year-old airline, and achieved fleet utilization levels akin to ultra-low-cost carriers.
Iberia Express’ strong performance is especially notable in the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, where it has consistently maintained departure punctuality rates above 90%. Cirium’s report recognized Iberia Express for balancing affordability with punctuality, positioning the airline as a model of operational excellence in European aviation.
The report concludes by noting that Iberia Express’ hybrid business model, which ensures connectivity with Iberia’s global network, has contributed to its continued success in punctuality while also offering competitive services.
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