Philippine Airlines (PAL) began 2026 with another strong showing in punctuality, placing among the top-performing carriers in the Asia-Pacific region, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
In Cirium’s On-Time Performance Monthly Report, PAL posted an on-time arrival rate of 82.02 percent in January, ranking fourth among the most punctual airlines in the region.
Cirium reported that it tracked 99.93 percent of PAL’s 10,956 flights during the month, with 98.91 percent of those flights completed as scheduled. PAL is expected to maintain strong completion performance as its fleet continues to grow, including the planned arrival of new Airbus aircraft.
The report named Hainan Airlines as the most punctual Asia-Pacific carrier for January after recording an on-time rate of 86.84 percent. Singapore Airlines ranked second with 84.14 percent, followed by Air New Zealand in third place at 82.16 percent.
PAL’s fourth-place finish was followed by Virgin Australia in fifth with 81.95 percent. Other airlines in the top 10 included Korean Air with 79.67 percent, Cathay Pacific with 78.72 percent, and Japan Airlines with 78.47 percent.
Qantas ranked ninth with 77.94 percent, while All Nippon Airways completed the list with 77.47 percent.
Cirium also reported that flight cancellations across Asia-Pacific declined to 19,176 in January, down from 23,675 in December 2025. In contrast, the report noted that North America experienced a sharp rise in cancellations, recording a 139-percent increase.
Cirium measures punctuality based on actual gate arrival times, considering a flight on time if it reaches its designated gate within 15 minutes of its scheduled arrival.
PAL is set to expand its long-haul capabilities this year, with the airline scheduled to take delivery of five Airbus A350-1000 aircraft starting in May, aimed at strengthening its trans-Pacific operations, particularly in North America.
