Expect more SAA delays

SAA punctuality is getting worse. Its on-time arrival rate last year 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 are the most delayed, with 74.4% of flights making it on time.