Top 10 most reliable airlines in 2024

The global aviation analytics firm Cirium has released its list of the most reliable airlines in the world for 2024, spotlighting top-performing carriers known for punctuality, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.

• Cirium released the list of most reliable airlines in the world for 2024, featuring airlines from Latin America, Europe, North America, and the Middle East
• Airline reliability has become a top metric of quality, providing an opportunity for local airlines to compete globally as demand for reliable air services grows
• Cirium released its list of the most reliable airlines in the world for 2024

The list includes airlines from Latin America, Europe, North America, and the Middle East—highlighting a global spread of reliability in air travel.

Top 10 most reliable Airlines globally

Rank	Airline	Region
1	Aeromexico	Latin America
2	Saudia	Middle East
3	Delta Airlines	North America
4	LATAM Airlines	Latin America
5	Qatar Airways	Middle East
6	Azul	Latin America
7	Avianca	Latin America
8	Iberia	Europe
9	SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)	Europe
10	United Airlines	North America

Source: Cirium, 2024

Qatar Airways shines among middle Eastern giants

Qatar Airways stands tall as the highest-ranking airline from the Middle East in terms of reliability. The airline, already lauded globally for its luxury and service quality, also proves its consistency in timely operations and flight dependability.

This recognition reaffirms the strategic importance of the Middle East as a global aviation hub, connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe. With Qatar Airways frequently operating in major African cities such as Accra, Lagos, Nairobi and Johannesburg, the airline’s commitment to reliability offers peace of mind to many African travellers and businesses.

While no African airline made the top 10, the list serves as a benchmark for growing carriers on the continent. African airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir, and Kenya Airways continue to gain regional and international traction and are encouraged to prioritise operational excellence to join future rankings.

Improved airport infrastructure, fleet renewal, regulatory reforms, and customer-centric strategies could be key to propelling Africa into global rankings for aviation reliability.

Notably, Latin America made a strong showing, with Aeromexico, LATAM, Azul, and Avianca all securing spots in the top 10. Their rise reflects a growing emphasis on fleet modernisation and service reliability across the region—a move Africa's aviation sector can draw lessons from.

Looking Ahead: Reliability in a post-covid world

In a post-pandemic era where global travellers are placing more value on timely service and seamless connections, airline reliability has become a top metric of quality.

As African tourism, trade, and investment continue to expand, the demand for reliable air services will only grow—providing a golden opportunity for local airlines to compete globally.

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