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UK carriers fail to make top 10 monthly punctuality rankings

No UK airline made the top 10 for punctuality among European rivals in October, according to latest figures.

Scandinavian carrier SAS topped the on-time rankings for carriers in Europe last month, according to data complied by aviation analytics firm Cirium.

SAS flights achieved an on-time arrival time of 86.64% ahead of Austrian Airlines and Finnair in the top three.

Others ranked in the top 10 for their punctuality performance were Norwegian Air, Transavia France, Brussels Airlines, Norwegian Air (Sweden), Volotea, Vueling and Turkish Airlines.

Aeromexico was named the most punctual airline globally with 91.88% of flights arriving on time

Delta Air Lines was second, securing an 90.53% punctuality score, followed by Saudia with 89.69%

United Airlines and Hainan Airlines took fourth and fifth spot, with 88.13% and 87.14% respectively.

Cirium said: “Severe weather events impacted many regions highlighted by intense rainfall and flash floods that devastated parts of Spain, particularly Valencia, late last month. 

“These conditions resulted in widespread damage, numerous casualties, and economic losses, while also disrupting airline and airport operations

throughout the country.

“However, global flight cancellations were down by 8% in October, with 43,484 flights cancelled compared to 47,324 in September. 

“While Asia-Pacific region saw a 24% decrease in flight cancellations in October (21,349) compared to 28,027 in September, this was still the highest contribution to the overall global cancellations at 49%. 

“Jet fuel shortage in Japan, which began early this year, worsened over the summer months and has impacted the operations of major carriers like JAL and ANA.

“Alternatively, North America witnessed a 35% increase in flight cancellations last month, with 8,113 flights cancelled, compared to 6,001 in September. 

“However, this only accounted for 19% (8,113) of the total global cancellations in October. Despite this increase, the region showed resilience with five of its airlines appearing in the global 10 top rankings.”

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