Sadly, flight delays are way too common and they can easily mess up travel plans, especially when there are connections involved. Although delays are sometimes inevitable, some airports have outstanding rates. Research commissioned by Money has revealed airports with the fewest delays around the globe.
Maybe It doesn't come as a surprise that some of them are among the best airports in the world, making the waiting hours easier even for those who don't have access to the amenities at airport lounges. Choosing airports with low delay rates helps people plan their trips and reduce the chances of waiting long hours at the airport.
8 Two American Airports Tied For 10th Position
The United States is one of the few countries with multiple airports on this list. Miami International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport ranked in the 10th position, both with 79.2 percent of on-time performance, and it seems that their punctuality reflects directly on their quality.
In a survey answered by people living in Canada and the U.S, the Miami International Airport was considered the best mega airport in North America last year. Aiming to improve the traveler's experience, MIA has upgraded its baggage handling system and dining concessions in the last few years.
7 It Is Not The First Time This Airport Ranks On The List
The Los Angeles International Airport had 80 percent of its flights on time last year. It is not the first time the airport has been featured on the list, as it ranked fifth in 2019 with 79.95 percent of the flights on time. Back then, Deborah Flint, CEO of the airport, said that it was thanks to their investments and teamwork with partners.
The place is also one of the busiest airports in the country, receiving 88.1 million passengers per year, and the number might increase in the coming years.
6 This Airport Has Also Been Named The Best In North America
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport had 80.2 percent of its flights on time last year, ranking eighth on the list. Part of the reason they keep the flights on time is that the weather is often good in the region.
In 2020, the airport was named the best in North America in a poll that evaluated punctuality, terminal facilities, baggage claim, security check, check-in, food, beverage, and retail. Phoenix Sky Harbor has been named the best airport.
5 The Most Punctual Airport In Mexico
Catching a flight at Mexico City International Airport, Mexico, means that travelers have an 80.3 percent chance of being on time. It is the only Latin American airport on the list and the busiest airport in the region, receiving 50 million passengers per year and offering flights to over one hundred destinations. When traveling inside the country, most of the Mexico City International Airport travelers go to Cancun, Monterrey, and Tijuana. The most popular international destinations are Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami.
4 Three Airports Tied For The Next Position
Narita International Airport (Japan), Madrid Barajas Airport (Spain), and George Bush International Airport (the U.S) might be located on three different continents. Still, they are all connected by their punctuality, with precisely 80.4 percent of flights on time in 2021.
Madrid Barajas Airport is the only European airport on the list and was already considered the most "passenger-friendly" airport on the continent thanks to its restaurants, shops, and facilities. The Narita International Airport is no stranger to its punctuality reputation, and it has been ranked on the list since the 2000s. The George Bush International Airport has also been featured on the list multiple times.
3 The Best Airport In The World Ranks Third On Punctuality
Singapore Changi Airport is considered the best airport globally, and it is also among the most punctual, with 82 percent of flights leaving on time in 2021. Yet, it would not be bad to wait extra hours in an airport with an indoor rainforest and modern amenities, including a free movie theater, a giant indoor waterfall, and free tours.
This airport is constantly investing in new features. As a result, it has been listed as the best airport in the world for many years in a row.
2 The Most Punctual Airport In The U.S.
The United States has the highest number of airports on this list – five in total. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the most punctual among the airports in the country, with 82.6 percent of flights leaving on time last year. It is also the busiest airport on this list and globally since the 1990s, receiving 110.5 million travelers just in the previous year.
On top of that, Hartsfield is also considered the most efficient airport on Earth due to its operational and management efficiency.
1 A Japanese Airport Tops The List
Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan, tops the list with 86.4 percent of flights leaving on time. Officially known as Tokyo International Airport, it received 85.5 million travelers last year. Punctuality is a substantial part of Japanese culture, and it makes sense the airport had significant investments in technology to make sure travelers will catch their flights on time.
The airport doesn't only think about punctuality, and it is considered five stars by Skytrax, including for its cleanses. The airport can be easily reached by train from Tokyo, making traveling even more accessible.