UK airlines amongst least punctual
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Thomson were among the world’s least punctual airlines last month, with almost 30% of their flights delayed.
BA sister carrier Iberia was the most punctual overall with 91% of its flights arriving on time or within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival.
It should be pointed out, however, that Iberia had only half as many flights as BA during December, according to Flightstats.
Air Europa, which operated half as many flights as Iberia, was the second most punctual airline, followed by Saudi.
According to Flightstats report, Virgin came in at number 33, BA 38 and Thomson 39. It claimed 29% of BA flights were delayed, with the average hold up topping 44 minutes. Virgin had 26% of flights delayed, by an average of 42 minutes, and 29% of Thomson flights were delayed by an average of 53 minutes.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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