The Most On-Time Airlines and Airports in North America in 2025

It’s no secret that flying these days has its challenges. According to a 2025 report from aviation analytics company Cirium, even if the weather is fine (and it often isn’t), the global aviation system “operates under pressure from structural constraints that have become part of the baseline, not just temporary disruptions.” Airlines and airports had a lot to navigate in 2025, from air traffic control staffing shortages and aging infrastructure to a challenging geopolitical landscape. As you set your 2026 travel plans in motion, we thought it’d be helpful to highlight the North American airlines and airports that stood out for their on-time performance, according to the Cirium report.

Top 10 On-Time Airlines in North America

In 2025, Mexico’s flag carrier, Aeromexico, had the best on-time performance of any airline in North America — over 90% of its 188,852 flights in 2025 arrived on time, an impressive feat compared with the 76.48% average on-time arrival rate tallied across North America airlines in the Cirium report.

Atlanta-based Delta Airlines was the most on-time U.S. airline — a repeat winner from 2024 and the only one to exceed the 80% on-time arrival mark, with 80.9% of flights on time. However, Delta fell short of its 2024 performance by about two percentage points as the airline, along with the other carriers in the report, faced pressure from the government shutdown in fall 2025 and delays due to FAA equipment issues. In fact, those delays were 300% higher in 2025 than average, according to the FAA. 

These were the top 10 most punctual airlines in North America in 2025: 

• Aeromexico (90.02% on-time arrival rate)
• Delta Air Lines (80.9%)
• Alaska Airlines (79.2%)
• Spirit Airlines (78.83%)
• United Airlines (78.77%)
• Southwest Airlines (77.04%)
• American Airlines (76.43%)
• JetBlue Airways (74.66%)
• WestJet (73.58%)
• Air Canada (73.26%)

Across the world, Philippine Airlines was the most punctual carrier in the Asia-Pacific region, with an 83.12% on-time arrival rate; Iberia Express was the top airline in Europe (88.94%); Copa Airlines performed best in Central and South America (90.75%); and FlySafair ranked No. 1 in the Middle East and Africa (91.06%).

Top 10 On-Time Airports in North America

The Cirium report also looked at the on-time departure rates at airports around the world. Below you’ll find the most punctual airports in North America. The rankings combine Cirium’s categories for “large” airports (25 million to 40 million seats per year) and “medium” airports (15 million to 25 million seats): 

• Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport (86.55% on-time departure rate)
• Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (86.51%)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (85.04%)
• Portland International Airport (85.02%)
• San Jose Mineta International Airport (83.66%)
• Sacramento International Airport (82.2%)
• Los Angeles International Airport (81.79%)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (81.17%)
• San Francisco International Airport (80.89%)
• Kansas City International Airport (80.72%)

Given Mexico City is the primary hub for Aeromexico, it’s no surprise to see it at the top of the list. Honolulu is no stranger to the top 10, either — Hawaii’s favorable weather is a big factor — and several Delta hub cities, like Salt Lake City and Minneapolis-St. Paul, also recorded impressive on-time stats. 

Globally, the top airport in the “large” category was Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Chile, with more than 87% of its 153,326 flights in 2025 taking off on time. In the “medium” category, the winner was Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport, with a 93.34% on-time ranking.

Lastly, the report also looked at “small” airports (5 million to 15 million annual seats). José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador, took the crown globally with a 91.47% on-time departure rate. In North America, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole on Hawaii’s Big Island was the most on-time “small” airport — 88.48% of flights there in 2025 took off on time.  

What To Do if Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled

While you may seek out one of these punctual airlines or airports on your upcoming travels, there’s always a chance of flight disruptions, no matter what carrier you choose or where you’re flying. While the stats above show that some airports or airlines are more prone to delays than others, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for a worst-case scenario. 

With that in mind, here are a few helpful guides to have your in back pocket: 

• What To Know if Your Flight Gets Delayed or Canceled 
• 5 Mistakes Travelers Make When Their Flight Is Delayed or Canceled 
• Airlines Now Have To Refund You for Flight Delays — Here’s What’s Changing 
• What To Do When You Miss a Connecting Flight 
• The Best Times To Fly To Avoid Flight Delays 
• U.S. Airlines With the Best and Worst Cancellation Rates
• U.S. Airlines With the Most Lost and Delayed Bags 
• What To Do If the Airline Loses Your Luggage on Vacation 

Featured image credit: Daniel Knighton via Getty Images Entertainment