Japanese airlines no longer among the top countries for on-time performance

Aircraft at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)

Passenger aircraft in Japan, once regarded as the most punctual in the world, are increasingly experiencing fewer on-time flights.

According to data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (MLIT), the on-time rate for domestic flights in fiscal year 2024 reached only 84%, a drop of 7 percentage points over the past decade. The main reason is the shift from large aircraft to medium- and small-sized planes, which has led to an increase in total flight numbers and caused congestion at airports.

According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondent in Tokyo, the 2024 on-time performance ranking released by the UK-based aviation analytics firm Cirium placed airlines from Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the United States in the top 10, while Japanese airlines—once regulars on the list—were absent.

MLIT reports that the percentage of domestic flights departing within 15 minutes of their scheduled time has steadily declined (excluding the COVID-19 period), dropping from 94% in 2010 to just 84%—a record low—in 2024.

The prolonged delays are believed to stem from airport congestion. In 2024, the total number of takeoffs and landings at domestic airports (including international routes) reached 990,000 flights, an increase of 170,000 compared to 2010. This figure is approaching the pre-pandemic peak of 1.02 million flights in 2019.

At Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport in particular, four runways operate continuously at a maximum density of 1.5 flights per minute. According to Flightradar24, of the 360,000 flights arriving at or departing from Haneda between January and September 2025, about 50% were delayed by more than 15 minutes.

Delays at Haneda also spread to regional airports that serve as destination hubs. At Fukuoka Airport, long queues of aircraft waiting for takeoff have become a common occurrence.

The increase in flight numbers is driven not only by the recovery of international travel but also by airlines’ focus on business efficiency. Operating smaller aircraft with higher flight frequency improves seat occupancy and is more convenient for passengers. As a result, airlines are increasingly deploying medium-sized aircraft (around 250 seats) and smaller planes (around 100 seats).

Improved engine technology also allows mid-size aircraft to fly directly from Japan to the east coast of the United States, a route previously served only by large aircraft.

In contrast, large aircraft (around 400 seats) consume more fuel and may incur losses if seat occupancy is low, making them less favored. According to MLIT, the share of large aircraft in the fleets of Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways dropped from 22% in 2013 to 13% in 2023.

Aviation statistics show that the seat occupancy rate in 2024 reached about 80% for both domestic and international flights—the highest level ever recorded. Professor Hajime Tozaki of Obirin University, an expert in aviation policy, noted that the rise of low-cost carriers competing on price has accelerated the shift toward medium- and small-sized aircraft.

The transition toward medium- and small-sized aircraft is a global trend. Although direct comparisons with other countries are difficult, Japan is clearly falling behind in terms of on-time performance.

In addition, adverse weather has contributed to an increase in delayed departures. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Tokyo recorded 25 lightning strikes in 2024, 70% higher than the 30-year average. When thunderstorms are likely, ground staff cannot guide aircraft, leading to widespread delays.

Haneda Airport has also experienced more heavy rainfall than the annual average. Rising sea temperatures around Japan have intensified typhoons and convergence zones. In 2024, Tokyo recorded nine days with rainfall exceeding 20 mm per hour—the highest in 40 years. Heavy rain reduces visibility, forcing further departure delays.

Another major issue is the slow progress in decentralizing Japan’s aviation network, despite the presence of major hub airports such as Kansai and Chubu. Currently, 20% of international flights are still concentrated at Haneda. Additionally, the growing shortage of ground staff is becoming a serious concern for Japan’s aviation industry.

In 2024, Japan welcomed 36 million foreign visitors, and the Japanese government aims to increase this number to 60 million by 2030. If the perception of Japanese airlines as “unable to take off on time” becomes widespread, foreign tourists may hesitate to choose Japan as a regular destination.