South African low-cost carrier FlySafair has been named the most punctual airline in the Middle East and Africa region for 2025, according to Cirium’s annual On-Time Performance Review.
The airline recorded an on-time arrival rate of 91.06%, placing it ahead of major international carriers including Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates. FlySafair’s performance also exceeded the global benchmark and surpassed AeroMexico, which achieved a 90.02% on-time arrival rate over the same period.
Cirium’s rankings draw on more than 25 million data points from over 600 sources worldwide and are widely regarded as a leading measure of airline operational reliability.
Strong performance under pressure
“While we have achieved this recognition previously, it carries particular significance this year,” says Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “With sustained challenges in air traffic management, fuel supply certainty and airport infrastructure, including baggage handling systems outside an airline’s direct control, maintaining reliable on-time performance has required extraordinary coordination and discipline. This result reflects the commitment of our teams.”
Since launching operations in 2014, FlySafair has consistently ranked among the world’s most punctual airlines, earning multiple global awards. The 2025 result reinforces the airline’s long-term focus on reliability and operational discipline.
Operational excellence beyond punctuality
The recognition forms part of a broader growth story. While the number of global airlines remains similar to pre-pandemic levels, FlySafair has expanded significantly over the past five years.
“Scale introduces new challenges,” Gordon adds. “There is often an assumption that growth leads to complacency, but delivering this result under demanding conditions is clear proof that FlySafair remains focused on service quality. That discipline is essential to our future.”
Cirium reports that FlySafair operated 98.9% of its scheduled flights in 2025, one of the lowest cancellation rates in the Africa and Middle East region.
Customer loyalty reflects performance
FlySafair’s strong operational showing is supported by high customer satisfaction. In 2025, the airline achieved a Net Promoter Score of +79.5, placing it close to the “world class” threshold defined by Bain & Company. This significantly exceeds the global airline industry average of around +33 and rivals scores typically reported by leading full-service carriers.
“There is a clear link between punctuality and customer satisfaction,” says Gordon. “But consistency comes from an unwavering focus on the fundamentals and on the customer experience.”
He notes that senior leadership maintained an active presence during peak travel periods, with executives stationed at airports and operational control centres to manage real-time challenges.
Awards and continued growth
In addition to Cirium’s recognition, 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.
During December 2025 alone, the airline transported just under one million passengers, reflecting strong demand and operational capacity during peak season.
Commitment to continuous improvement
FlySafair acknowledges that disruptions can still occur and says it remains focused on improving communication and service recovery when challenges arise.
“Reliability matters because it affects people’s lives,” Gordon concludes. “This recognition reinforces that operational excellence is not just a metric for us. It’s a mindset.”
