Airports all around the world are known for their luxurious amenities and top-notch services. However, what most travelers truly value is flights that arrive on time. AirHelp, a passenger rights company, recently ranked 239 airports in 69 countries based on the on-time performance of flights operating from May 2023 to April 2024. This measure accounted for 60% of each airport’s total score, with on-time performance defined as flights arriving within 15 minutes of their published arrival times. Passenger opinions of each airport, along with traveler ratings of its food and shops, accounted for the remaining 40% of the score.
When isolating on-time performance scores, a different list of top airports emerges. This list is dominated by airports from South Africa, Colombia, Brazil, Japan, the United States, and Qatar. Some of the top performers in terms of on-time performance include Cape Town Airport in South Africa, Brasília-Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek Airport in Brazil, and Nagoya Chubu Airport in Japan, all scoring an impressive 8.6. Other notable airports include Salt Lake City Airport in the United States and Doha Hamad Airport in Qatar.
Conversely, some airports were found to have the worst on-time performance averages. Tunis Carthage Airport in Tunisia, London Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom, and Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport in Portugal were among the bottom performers, with on-time averages ranging from 48% to 58%. These airports have a lot of room for improvement when it comes to ensuring timely arrivals for flights.
Factors Influencing On-Time Performance
Various factors can influence an airport’s on-time performance. While the operations of airlines and airports play a significant role, external disruptions such as adverse weather conditions, congestion, incidents, and industrial action can also cause delays. Despite these challenges, on-time performance remains a crucial indicator for airlines and airports to differentiate themselves and market their brands effectively.
Passenger Opinion Rankings
In addition to on-time performance, passenger opinion scores play a vital role in determining the overall ranking of airports. Airports like Nashville Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, and Doha Hamad Airport emerged as top performers when it comes to passenger satisfaction. These airports are known for providing exceptional services and amenities to travelers.
While airports may offer a range of amenities and services, the most critical factor for travelers is the on-time performance of flights. By prioritizing punctuality and efficiency, airports can enhance the overall travel experience for passengers and establish themselves as industry leaders in the global aviation sector.