FlySafair leads regional on-time performance rankings

Tarryn Leigh Solomons

South Africa’s low-cost carrier FlySafair has emerged as the most punctual airline in the Middle East and Africa region for 2025, according to Cirium’s annual On-Time Performance Review.

With an on-time arrival rate of 91.06 per cent, FlySafair outperformed several major international airlines, including Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates. Its result also exceeded the global industry benchmark. It even surpassed AeroMexico, which was ranked the world’s most punctual airline for the same period with a 90.02 per cent on-time arrival rate.

Cirium’s review is based on more than 25 million data points from over 600 sources worldwide, making it one of the most credible and widely used measures of airline operational performance.

Operational discipline in a challenging environment

“While we have achieved this recognition before, it carries particular significance this year,” says Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. He points to ongoing challenges across the aviation sector, including air traffic management constraints, fuel supply uncertainty, and airport infrastructure issues such as baggage-handling systems, many of which fall outside an airline’s direct control.

“Maintaining reliable on-time performance under these conditions has required extraordinary coordination and discipline. This result is a credit to the dedication of our teams,” he says.

Since launching operations in 2014, FlySafair has consistently ranked among the world’s most punctual airlines, earning multiple global awards for on-time performance. This consistency reflects a long-term commitment to operational excellence rather than short-term gains.

Reliability beyond punctuality

FlySafair’s performance forms part of a broader picture of operational resilience and customer focus. While the number of airlines operating today is similar to pre-pandemic levels, FlySafair has grown significantly over the past five years.

“Scale brings a different set of challenges,” Gordon explains. “There’s an assumption that growth leads to complacency, but achieving this result under such demanding conditions is clear proof that we remain focused on delivering a reliable, high-quality service. That discipline is essential to our future.”

According to Cirium, FlySafair operated 98.9 percent of its scheduled flights in 2025, giving it one of the lowest cancellation rates in the Middle East and Africa region.

Strong customer advocacy

Operational reliability is closely linked to customer satisfaction. FlySafair’s Net Promoter Score reached +79.5 in 2025, placing the airline close to the “world class” category as defined by Bain and Company, the creators of the NPS methodology.

For context, the global airline industry’s average NPS sits at around +33, while leading full-service carriers such as Singapore Airlines and Emirates typically report scores between +65 and +75.

“There is a strong correlation between customer satisfaction and on-time performance, although many factors shape the overall experience,” says Gordon. “The key is an unwavering focus on the customer and getting the fundamentals right.”

Leadership on the ground

FlySafair credits part of its success to hands-on leadership during peak periods. Members of the executive team were regularly present at airports and operational control centres during the busiest travel days.

“Every flight presents new variables,” Gordon says. “Sustained performance depends on constant attention and discipline. This approach has underpinned our growth and will continue to guide the airline forward.”

In recognition of its performance, FlySafair was named 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 carried just under one million passengers.

A mindset of continuous improvement

Despite its strong results, FlySafair acknowledges that disruptions still occur and understands the frustration they cause for travellers. The airline says it remains focused on improving communication and service recovery when challenges arise.

“We know reliability affects people’s lives,” says Gordon. “Our focus is on earning and keeping that trust. This recognition from Cirium confirms that operational excellence is not just a metric for us. It’s a mindset.”