Aviation analysts OAG’s 2016 Punctuality League shows Birmingham’s on-time performance for more than 100,000 scheduled flights measured at 91.28%, a figure unbeaten by the rest of the world.
Meanwhile, Newcastle was the most punctual airport in the small airports category of 2.5 to 5 million seats with a score of 90.94%. Only one other airport globally joined the two UK airports in scoring more than 90%.
Monarch was also named the most punctual low cost carrier in the world with an on-time performance of 85.67% while Jet2.com also made the top 10 in fourth position with a score of 82.64%.
John Grant, senior analyst at OAG, said: “The UK’s airports and airlines have always been leaders in the global aviation industry, delivering exceptionally high service levels.
“The success of Birmingham is just another example of how the UK’s regional airports have created world-class facilities and networks that both connect their regional communities to the world, and provide valuable economic growth.
“Congratulations to Birmingham, Newcastle and Monarch.”
The news was welcomed by Birmingham airport. Chief executive Paul Kehoe said: “To be crowned the world’s most punctual airport in 2016 is a tremendous prize, particularly in the busiest twelve months in our 77 year history.
“This achievement is a result of a team effort by the 7,000 employees and 140 companies operating at the airport - from the ground handlers to bus drivers, fuellers to caterers, and cleaners to office staff.
“We have invested £350 million in the last 10 years to improve the airport infrastructure and we’re currently working on a further £1 million development project to improve passenger facilities even further.
“These investments have helped us achieve this award because we can offer our customers an efficient service that makes us proud to be an airport that is easy to get to and easy to get through.
“We work closely with our airlines and handling agents to ensure that delays, which are within our control, are kept to a minimum, and we thank all of our partners for their continued hard work to become the world’s most punctual airport.”
Andrew Swaffield, chief executive at Monarch, added: “We are delighted to be recognised by OAG as the world’s most punctual low cost carrier in 2016 because we know how important punctuality is for our customers.
"I would like to thank all the Monarch crews, engineers and support staff who worked so hard to help us achieve this recognition. I’m immensely proud of their dedication to our customers."
