Flight delays: Aussie airlines lag foreign competitors amid reform calls

Cirium's On-time Performance Review 2024 shows Mexican airline Aeromexico was the most prompt airline in the world, with flights arriving within 15 minutes (which is considered on time) of their scheduled time 86.7 per cent of the time.

"Throughout 2024, Aeromexico has consistently demonstrated superior on-time performance, earning it recognition as one of the most reliable airlines worldwide," said Cirium chief marketing officer, Mike Malik.

Japan Airlines was the top-ranked airline in the Asia-Pacific region, with 80.90 per cent of its flights arriving on time.

While Qantas was the only Australian airline in the APAC top 10, it came in at number 10, on time only 73.93 per cent of the time.

Jetstar flights arrived at their scheduled time 73.39 per cent of the time while Virgin Australia's on-time performance was even lower at 72.7 per cent.

Australia's airlines lagged behind other competitors in the region including ANA, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand.

Data from the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts shows Australian airlines performed even worse during the month of November 2024.

Qantas and Jetstar were on time 68 per cent of the time, and Virgin Australia was on time 62.7 per cent of the time.

During the month across all Australian airlines, cancellations were highest on the Melbourne-Sydney route at 5.3 per cent, followed by the Sydney-Melbourne route at 5.2 per cent.

The on time performance data comes at a time when the Australian Airports Association (AAA) is urging industry and government to work collaboratively on ways to improve competitiveness in the sector.

It was revealed by the ACCC's Domestic airline competition in Australia report for November 2024 that average airfares on all major city routes increased by 13.3 per cent since embattled airline Rex entered voluntary administration in July 2024.

"This report shows why it's critical to pull all available levers to improve the system as quickly as possible, such as slot reforms at Sydney Airport," AAA CEO Simon Westaway said.

"By example, the existing demand management system at Sydney Airport, whilst having previously served us well, is almost 30 years old and we recommend swift passage of the reforms now before Federal Parliament.

"This is about making the domestic aviation sector attractive for investment to ultimately deliver greater choices and lower airfares for the flying public."