Spain improves and ranks as the fifth country with the most punctual flights in Europe

In 2024, Spain improved to rank as the fifth most punctual country in Europe (75.4%) out of a total of 42 countries (out of 42), according to data published by Eurocontrol. In 2023, Spain was the eighth most punctual country. Bilbao, Seville and Madrid airports recorded the highest on-time performance rates in Spain.

 

In the punctuality ranking, Spain is only below Norway (82.1% punctuality), Sweden (80.4%), Denmark (79.1%) and Estonia (77.6%), in that order. Behind our country were Finland (75.1%, The Netherlands (75%), Lithuania (74.6%), Bélgica (74.6%) and Latvia (74.2%).

“Despite the slight improvement in the ranking compared to 2023, Spain still has much room for improvement, as last year one out of four flights did not arrive on time, either because of the lack of time, or because of the fact that the flight was not on time; at the scheduled time, either due to problems attributable to the airlines or other unforeseen events,”, explains Noemí Ferná Fernández, manager of Reclamio.com.

This company reveals that in 2024 more than 40% of the claims it handled were for flights that were excessively delayed. When we ask the airline for compensation for the passenger, it is because the delay has been very significant and not just a few minutes. In order to be entitled to financial compensation, the passenger must have arrived at his final destination three or more hours after the arrival time initially scheduled by the airline, added Ferná añade Fernández.

As for the Spanish airports with the fewest delays, last year Bilbao was the third most punctual airport in Europe, with a índice of 83%. According to Reclamio.com data, these figures are in line with its low volume of complaints.

As for the rest, Sevilla is ninth in the European punctuality ranking, with 79.2%; and Madrid is fourth, with 77.4%. In 20th position is Valencia airport (76.1%) and Lanzarote airport is 23rd (75.7%). Tenerife South is 26th (75.4%) and Tenerife North 34th (74.7%).

To find Barcelona airport you have to go down to 38th position in the ranking, with 74.3%. For its part, Alicante ranks at number 40 (74.1%); Ibiza (73.6%) at 43; Málaga (72.4%), at 57; Palma de Mallorca (72.2%) at 61; and Gran Canaria(72%) at 62.