The SAA plane now arriving… is late 17.4% of the time

SAA punctuality is getting worse.

Its on-time arrival rate in 2016 was 82.6%‚ meaning 17.4% of flights were delayed. In 2014 and 2015‚ only 13% of flights were delayed.

The information is revealed in the annual report of FlightStats‚ which identifies the most on-time and delayed airlines in the world.

SAA is the 21st most punctual out of 45 major airlines. Its on-time departure rate is put at 86.3%.

The airline blames most delays on fuelling issues‚ technical problems with aircraft‚ unfavourable weather and air traffic congestion.

In SAA’s region of operation – the Middle East and Africa – it is second to Qatar Airways.

Globally‚ Copa Airlines in Panama had the highest on-time arrival rate across major airlines‚ at 88.6%.

Overall‚ Latin America is the most punctual‚ with 83% of flights arriving on time. The Middle East and Africa is the most delayed‚ with 74.4% of flights making it on time.

– TMG Digital/The Times