SAS has been ranked the world’s most punctual airline for March 2026, achieving an on‑time arrival rate of 89.75 percent in Cirium’s monthly On‑Time Performance report. The result highlights SAS’ continued ability to deliver reliable operations during a month marked by global aviation challenges, and further reinforces the turnaround the airline has been driving over the past years.
The recognition comes as SAS celebrates its 80th anniversary year, marking eight decades of connecting Scandinavia with the world through precision, dependability and a distinctly Scandinavian approach to service.
The March result also follows a very strong 2025 for SAS, where the airline finished No. 2 in Europe and No. 3 globally for the full year — underscoring a clear, sustained upward trajectory in operational performance.
“Being recognized as the world’s most punctual airline in March, whilst there is so much going on in the world, is all the more rewarding. This award goes out to our customers who trust us every day, and to our colleagues who rise to meet that trust with commitment and excellence. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary this year, it is especially meaningful to see how the spirit and reliability that have defined SAS for decades continue to guide us forward,” says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS.
In Cirium’s March ranking, Aeromexico placed second and Iberia third, highlighting the competitive field in which SAS secured the top global position.
Strengthened operations through disciplined execution
March can be a demanding month for Scandinavian aviation, with rapidly shifting weather patterns, late‑season snow and challenging wind conditions across parts of the region. At the same time, the situation in the Middle East created additional operational complexity for airlines globally. Against this backdrop, SAS continued to deliver stable and predictable performance for its customers.
The strong March result builds on SAS’ broader efforts to strengthen operational quality following its transformation. Over the past years, the airline has introduced tighter turnaround processes, enhanced daily planning routines, and improved cross‑departmental coordination. These measures have contributed to more predictable operations and a sustained focus on punctuality across the network.
As SAS enters its 80th anniversary year, the airline continues to invest in operational excellence and customer experience — reaffirming its long‑standing commitment to Scandinavian reliability, precision and care.
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SAS, Scandinavia's leading airline since 1946, operates a global hub at Copenhagen Airport (CPH), complemented by hubs in Oslo (OSL) and Stockholm (ARN).
Our mission is to connect Scandinavia with the world and the world with Scandinavia. Each year, SAS serves more than 25 million passengers and transports 55,000 tons of cargo to 135 destinations across Europe, the USA, and Asia. With a relentless focus on operational excellence, SAS ranks as one of the most punctual airlines in Europe and the world. Together with a passionate workforce of over 10,000 colleagues, we collaborate with partners and customers to drive transformative changes in aviation. We are committed to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions from our flight operations in line with international aviation climate frameworks, embodying the visionary spirit of our founders: “To move from the old to what is about to come, is the only tradition worth keeping.”
SAS joined SkyTeam in September 2024, and together with our partner airlines, we offer a wide network worldwide.
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