The Cirium On-Time Performance Program: Frequently Asked Questions 

Cirium defines on-time performance with precision: 

• On-Time Arrival: A passenger flight arrives at the gate within 15 minutes of its scheduled arrival time. This metric is used to rank airlines. 
• On-Time Departure: A passenger flight departs from the gate within 15 minutes of its scheduled departure time. This metric is used to rank airports. 

OTP is measured by tracking flights from their departure gate to their arrival gate. Cirium collects and curates data from over 600 real-time flight information sources to ensure comprehensive and accurate measurement. For an airline to be included in our analysis, we must have data for at least 80% of its flights. 

OTP is a critical performance indicator for airlines. Consistently high on-time performance leads to: 

• Improved Passenger Satisfaction: Punctuality is a key driver of a positive travel experience and builds brand loyalty. 
• Operational Efficiency: Good OTP is essential for maintaining schedules, maximizing aircraft utilization, and managing crew resources effectively. 
• Cost Management: Delays can lead to significant costs, including crew overtime, passenger compensation, and reputational damage. A consistently high OTP helps minimize these expenses. 

For passengers, reliable on-time performance means a more predictable and less stressful travel experience. It minimizes the chances of missed connections, reduces waiting times at airports, and provides confidence in the airline’s service. 

Several factors can impact OTP, including air traffic congestion, weather conditions, technical issues, and airport operational efficiency. Airlines with strategic fleet management, advanced technology, and a dedicated focus on operational excellence are often better equipped to manage these variables and maintain high OTP rates. 

An airport’s On-Time Performance is influenced by several factors, including weather conditions, air traffic volume, runway availability, staffing levels, and the efficiency of ground operations. Delays can also result from airlines’ scheduling practices, maintenance issues, or unexpected events like security concerns. 

Cirium analyzes flight data from over 600 global sources to track more than 35 million flights annually. Our methodology uses this extensive dataset to calculate the on-time arrival and departure percentages for airlines and airports worldwide. These calculations form the basis for our monthly reports and the prestigious annual On-Time Performance Awards. 

Cirium’s position as the industry standard is built on a foundation of trust and accuracy. Our analyses adhere to strictly defined metrics and are based on the widest and deepest pool of flight data available. The Cirium On-Time Performance Advisory Board, composed of external industry experts, ensures the integrity and impartiality of our program.

Cirium’s data is the most comprehensive in the industry, sourced from over 600 global sources. To ensure your data is accurately represented, we encourage airlines and airports to collaborate with us directly. By providing your flight status data, you help enhance the accuracy of our analysis for your own benefit and that of the wider industry. To begin sharing your data, please contact our team. 

We have reported on On-Time Performance for airlines and airports since 2008. The report ranks airlines and airports according to their on-time performance. It reveals and rewards those airlines and airports which have achieved the most consistent on-time performance, as well as providing meaningful insights to improve the traveler experience. 

The Cirium OTP Awards are the global benchmark for recognizing excellence in airline and airport operational performance. The annual awards, including the coveted Platinum Award, honor the airlines and airports that have demonstrated outstanding commitment and success in achieving superior on-time performance. 

No, the Cirium On-Time Performance program is entirely complimentary for all airlines and airports. Winners are determined solely based on our independent analysis of flight performance data, ensuring an unbiased and credible assessment. There are no fees associated with participation or winning an award. 

The Platinum Award is presented to the world’s top airline and airport that demonstrated exceptional operational performance for the year.  

• Airline Qualifications: To qualify, the airline must qualify in the Global Airline category for on-time performance. We have developed a proprietary algorithm that considers an array of parameters, which provides an output that compares airlines on a one-to-one basis as far as possible to ensure fairness, accuracy, and integrity in the selection process. We consider the complexity of the carrier’s network, volume of flights, and the ability to limit the impact of flight disruptions on passengers over the entire year.  
• Airport Qualifications: To qualify, the airport must first qualify in the Global Airport category for on-time performance. The proprietary algorithm considers a broader range of factors including the impact of delays on passengers, the duration of disruptions, operational complexity, and the airport’s appeal, with a particular focus on growth. This holistic approach highlights excellence across multiple dimensions, setting a new benchmark in airport performance evaluation. 

With its comprehensive methodology and emphasis on multiple performance metrics, the On-Time Performance (OTP) rankings provide an essential tool for industry professionals, travelers, and stakeholders to assess and celebrate operational excellence in aviation. These insights contribute to fostering improved reliability and efficiency within the industry. For further details and to explore the full rankings, visit the OTP homepage.