EgyptAir, the national carrier of Egypt, has been identified as one of the 10 least punctual airlines globally in January 2025, according to a newly released ranking by OAG Aviation. The airline's on-time performance (OTP) stood at 52.9%, far below the top-ranked Safair of South Africa, which achieved an impressive 94.2% OTP.

The ranking, which evaluates OTP based on the percentage of punctual flights that arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled time, highlights the operational challenges faced by EgyptAir. The airline's Civil Aviation Minister, Sameh el-Hefny, attributed the delays to unprecedented challenges, particularly the global supply chain crisis, which has slowed aircraft deliveries and disrupted fleet expansion plans through 2029.

El-Hefny revealed that more than 10 aircraft were due for delivery this year, but supply chain disruptions forced the airline to revise its plans, with only one aircraft expected to be received in 2025. Despite these setbacks, the minister emphasized EgyptAir's commitment to improving reliability and fulfilling its national role.

The impact of flight disruptions extends beyond passenger inconvenience, carrying substantial economic implications for airlines. According to Wipro, airline disruptions cost the industry $60 billion annually, about 8% of global revenue. Efficient scheduling, crisis management, and technology are essential to reducing these losses. Beyond finances, frequent delays harm an airline's reputation, leading to frustrated passengers, negative reviews, and lost trust.

Strong on-time performance is key to maintaining customer loyalty and competitiveness. The ranking highlights the importance of operational excellence, with the top three airlines – Safair, Star Flyer, and Fuji Dream Airlines – demonstrating strong OTP. In contrast, the bottom three airlines – Sunwing Airlines, EgyptAir, and InterCaribbean Airways – had the lowest OTP, highlighting significant operational delays and disruptions.

The full ranking of the top 10 airlines with the least on-time performance (OTP) for January 2025 is as follows:

In conclusion, the ranking highlights the importance of operational efficiency and effective crisis management in the aviation industry. As airlines continue to navigate the challenges of the global supply chain crisis, it is crucial for them to prioritize punctuality and reliability to maintain customer loyalty and competitiveness.