There are a lot of variables involved in keeping airline and airport schedules running on time, from staffing challenges to unpredictable weather.
With an estimated 38.9 million flights taking place internationally in 2025, and a delicate geopolitical landscape causing airspace constraints, the hurdles impacting punctuality are getting trickier than ever.
In the aviation industry, structural constraints “have become part of the baseline, not just temporary disruptions,” says aviation analytics firm Cirium in its new report, “On-Time Performance Review 2025.”
It highlights 12 airports and airlines around the world that last year excelled in terms of punctuality, thus reaping the rewards in terms of passenger satisfaction and cost savings.
Let’s break down who won and why.
Performance and reliability
Istanbul Airport (IST) was the Platinum Winner airport for 2025, l
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