FlySafair Tops Middle East and Africa for On-Time Performance
Johannesburg, South Africa – South African low-cost carrier FlySafair has been named the most punctual airline in the Middle East and Africa for 2025, according to the latest Cirium On-Time Performance Review, widely regarded as the global benchmark for airline reliability.
FlySafair recorded an exceptional 91.06% on-time arrival rate, outperforming major international carriers in the region, including Qatar Airways, Etihad and Emirates. The airline’s performance also exceeded that of the world’s most punctual airline for the same period, AeroMexico, which achieved a 90.02% on-time rating.
Cirium’s annual review is based on more than 25 million data points from over 600 sources, making the accolade one of the most credible measures of operational excellence in global aviation.
“This recognition carries particular significance,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “Operating reliably in an environment marked by air traffic management constraints, fuel supply uncertainty and infrastructure challenges requires exceptional coordination and discipline. This achievement reflects the commitment and professionalism of our teams across the business.”
Since commencing operations in 2014, FlySafair has consistently ranked among the world’s most punctual airlines, earning multiple local and international awards for on-time performance. The latest recognition reinforces the airline’s long-term focus on reliability, efficiency and customer trust.
FlySafair’s operational strength extends beyond punctuality. According to Cirium, the airline operated 98.9% of its scheduled flights in 2025, resulting in one of the lowest cancellation rates in the Middle East and Africa region. Over the past five years, FlySafair has also recorded sustained growth, despite a challenging global aviation environment.
“Growth brings complexity,” Gordon added. “Delivering this level of performance at scale is clear evidence that we remain focused on the fundamentals of operational excellence and customer service. That discipline is central to our future success.”
Customer satisfaction has mirrored the airline’s operational performance. In 2025, FlySafair achieved a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of +79.5, placing it close to the ‘world-class’ category as defined by Bain & Company, the creators of the NPS methodology. This score significantly exceeds the global airline industry average and compares favourably with leading full-service international carriers.
“There is a strong link between punctuality and customer satisfaction,” said Gordon. “While many factors influence the travel experience, consistency and reliability remain critical. Our focus is always on getting the basics right and putting the customer at the centre of every decision.”
FlySafair has also maintained visible senior leadership involvement during peak operational periods, with executive teams deployed at airports and operational control centres during high-demand days to ensure seamless coordination and decision-making.
In recognition of its broader service excellence, FlySafair was awarded Best Airline by public vote at the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s 2025 Excellence Awards and received the Skytrax Award for Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa. In December 2025 alone, the airline transported just under one million passengers.
While acknowledging that disruptions can occur in a complex operating environment, FlySafair reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement and transparent communication.
“We understand how reliability affects people’s lives,” Gordon said. “This recognition from Cirium confirms that operational excellence is not just a performance measure for us, but a core value that guides how we serve our customers every day.”
About the Cirium On-Time Performance Review
Cirium’s annual review is recognised globally as the definitive benchmark for airline punctuality. Flights are classified as on-time if they arrive within 14 minutes and 59 seconds of their scheduled arrival time. Only airlines meeting strict criteria for operational scale, data coverage and regional diversity are included in the rankings.
