Elijah Newledge | Bloomberg | Getty Images
According to the International Air Transport Association, from January to October alone, worldwide revenue-passenger miles, a demand metric, were up nearly 11 percent from last year. In 2025, IATA forecasts 40 million aircraft departures, up 4.6% from 2024.
Airlines struggled to add flights and increase premium seating, which drives more revenue, especially on long-haul trips. Challenges from Lack of new aircraft Financial struggles continued for some carriers, however, as many passengers did not experience the same in-flight disruptions as during severe staff shortages coming out of the pandemic.
An Aeromexico plane prepares to land on the runway at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City, Mexico.
Edgard Garrido | Reuters
The most on-time airlines span the globe, according to a ranking released Thursday by Cerium. An aviation data firm defines punctuality as an arrival that occurs within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. Delta Airlines Despite this, it tops the North American rankings. Struggle for recovery from Crowd strike The shutdown in July canceled thousands of flights.