Canberra, Australia: Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Transport Research and Economics (BITRE) has shed light on the punctuality of domestic airlines for July 2025. The report reveals notable variations in on-time performance across major carriers.
Virgin Australia recorded the lowest on-time arrival rate among major airlines, with only 66.8% of its flights arriving as scheduled. This figure places the airline at the bottom of the performance rankings for the month.
In contrast, Qantas achieved the highest on-time performance, with 74.2% of arrivals and 77.7% of departures occurring on time. However, the airline also reported the highest cancellation rate among major carriers, with 3.8% of its flights canceled during the same period.
Budget carrier Jetstar and regional airline Rex Airlines exhibited moderate performance, with on-time arrivals at 73.6% and 73.2%, respectively. Both airlines maintained relatively low cancellation rates, contributing to their stable positions in the rankings.
According to news.com.au Travel expert Adam Ewart emphasized the importance of punctuality in customer satisfaction, noting that Qantas’s strong performance positions it favorably as the federal government considers implementing national standards for the airline industry. These potential reforms may include passenger compensation for delays and cancellations, placing additional pressure on airlines to enhance reliability.
Despite its lower performance in July, Virgin Australia continues to hold the top spot as Australia’s most trusted travel and tourism brand, according to Roy Morgan research. The airline’s reputation for being approachable and reliable has contributed to its sustained trust ranking for the third consecutive year.
The July 2025 BITRE report highlights the varying levels of punctuality among Australian airlines, with Qantas leading in on-time performance but facing challenges with cancellations. Virgin Australia’s lower performance underscores the need for continuous improvement in operational efficiency. As the industry anticipates potential regulatory changes, airlines will need to adapt to maintain competitiveness and customer trust.
