SAS Unites with Iberia, Austrian, and Norwegian—The Ultimate Airline Alliance for Unmatched Punctuality

Published on December 31, 2025

In a groundbreaking move, SAS has united with Iberia, Austrian Airlines, and Norwegian to create one of the most powerful alliances in the European airline industry. This collaboration promises to offer passengers unmatched punctuality across a vast network of routes. By joining forces, these leading airlines aim to streamline operations, reduce delays, and enhance customer experience. With SAS leading the charge, this alliance combines the strengths of Iberia, Austrian, and Norwegian, each known for their commitment to timely arrivals and high operational standards. Together, they are set to revolutionize air travel, making on-time performance a top priority. Whether you’re flying from Scandinavia, Spain, or Austria, this new alliance offers a level of reliability that passengers can count on. As a result, travellers can expect fewer delays and a smoother flying experience than ever before.

1. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines): The King of On-Time Travel in Europe

Scandinavian Airlines, commonly known as SAS, has earned the title of Europe’s most punctual airline in 2025. It’s no surprise, considering the airline’s exceptional track record for maintaining timely flights, even amidst challenging circumstances. According to Cirium’s monthly reports, SAS has been at the top of the rankings for most of 2025, with an on-time performance (OTP) of nearly 90%. This means that most of its flights arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, a standard that many other carriers strive for.

What sets SAS apart is not just its on-time arrivals but the airline’s commitment to maintaining this consistency, month after month. In fact, SAS has become synonymous with reliability in the European airspace. It is a pioneer in operational efficiency and has consistently been recognised in the Cirium and OAG punctuality reports.

Why It Matters: SAS’s on-time performance ensures fewer delays, shorter wait times, and more satisfied passengers. For those flying across Scandinavia or connecting to international destinations, SAS is the airline of choice when it comes to dependability.

2. Iberia Express: Spain’s Reliable Low-Cost Airline

Following closely behind SAS, Iberia Express continues to impress with its consistent punctuality. This Spanish low-cost airline has managed to build a solid reputation for on-time arrivals, competing with some of the larger, more established carriers in the region. Iberia Express has consistently ranked in the top five for OTP in European markets, and it remains a popular choice for both leisure and business travellers across Spain and beyond.

Why It Matters: As a budget-friendly option, Iberia Express demonstrates that low-cost carriers can also provide high-quality service and timely flights. For passengers looking to save money without sacrificing reliability, Iberia Express is an excellent choice.

3. Austrian Airlines: Consistently in the Top Tier

Austrian Airlines has made a name for itself with exceptional on-time performance, earning a spot in the top rankings throughout 2025. This flag carrier of Austria is known for its reliable services, particularly for flights operating from its base at Vienna International Airport. In fact, Austrian Airlines has ranked among the top three performers in Cirium’s monthly punctuality reports, competing with the likes of SAS and Iberia Express.

Why It Matters: For passengers flying in or out of Austria and across Europe, Austrian Airlines guarantees an efficient travel experience. Whether it’s a business trip or a family vacation, travellers can count on Austrian Airlines for smooth, hassle-free flights.

4. Norwegian Air Shuttle: An LCC with Stellar Punctuality

Norwegian Air Shuttle has established itself as a leader in low-cost travel while maintaining an impressive on-time record. Frequently featured in Cirium’s top five rankings, Norwegian Air competes head-to-head with major full-service carriers in Europe. Its OTP in 2025 stands at a remarkable high level, making it a dependable choice for cost-conscious travellers seeking on-time flights.

Why It Matters: Norwegian proves that a budget airline can still provide quality service, allowing passengers to reach their destinations on time without breaking the bank. For anyone looking to travel across Europe at an affordable price, Norwegian is hard to beat.

5. Iberia: Spain’s Full-Service Airline with Top OTP

Iberia, Spain’s flagship carrier, is another airline that has earned recognition for its consistent punctuality. Known for its expansive network within Europe and internationally, Iberia has managed to maintain a strong on-time performance throughout 2025. The airline’s OTP has consistently been high, with a large number of flights arriving within the designated window of 15 minutes of the scheduled time.

Why It Matters: Iberia’s excellent OTP reinforces its status as a leading carrier in Spain, especially for travellers flying between Europe and Latin America. This consistency offers passengers peace of mind when booking a flight with Iberia.

6. Finnair: Finland’s Efficient and Timely Airline

Based in Finland, Finnair is another example of a European carrier that delivers on-time flights with remarkable consistency. Finnair has earned its place in the upper ranks of on-time performance lists, often appearing in the top ten for OTP in 2025. Its routes connecting major cities in Northern Europe make it a vital airline for passengers travelling to and from destinations such as Helsinki.

Why It Matters: Finnair’s punctuality record is especially valuable for Nordic travellers and those heading to Europe from Asia, where timely connections are crucial. Whether you’re flying for work or leisure, Finnair offers a dependable way to get to your destination.

7. ITA Airways: Italy’s Newest Airline, Steady with Time

Since its rebranding from Alitalia, ITA Airways has taken strides to improve its punctuality and service. It has secured a place in OAG’s November 2025 OTP rankings for its impressive on-time performance. The airline is quickly becoming a top performer in the European market, particularly for travellers connecting through Rome and other Italian cities.

Why It Matters: ITA Airways offers a fresh alternative for passengers flying within Italy or connecting to destinations across Europe. Its commitment to on-time performance is a clear signal that the airline is ready to meet the needs of today’s travellers.

8. SunExpress: A Rising Star in On-Time Travel

SunExpress, a Turkish-German low-cost carrier, is another airline that has consistently delivered impressive punctuality in 2025. The airline’s OTP has been consistently high, with no cancellations reported in OAG’s November data. SunExpress offers numerous flights between Turkey and Germany, and it has carved out a reputation as one of the most reliable low-cost options in the European market.

Why It Matters: For Turkish and German travellers, SunExpress provides a budget-friendly yet reliable option for getting where you need to go on time.

9. Wizz Air: Low-Cost, High Reliability

Wizz Air is a Hungarian low-cost airline that has garnered attention for its remarkable punctuality. In the latest OAG reports, Wizz Air was identified as the top low-cost performer in terms of on-time arrivals. With its network covering over 40 countries, Wizz Air has become a preferred choice for budget-conscious travellers who still demand reliability in their travel experiences.

Why It Matters: Wizz Air proves that low-cost carriers can deliver on-time flights while keeping prices affordable, making it a favourite for passengers flying across Europe.

10. LOT Polish Airlines: Poland’s Reliable Flag Carrier

LOT Polish Airlines rounds out the list of Europe’s most punctual airlines for 2025. Known for its strong connections within Eastern Europe and North America, LOT Polish Airlines consistently ranks in the top ten for on-time performance. It offers a dependable choice for passengers flying between major cities like Warsaw, New York, and Chicago.

Why It Matters: LOT Polish Airlines offers exceptional reliability, making it a great choice for passengers travelling in and out of Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe.

Why Choosing an On-Time Airline Matters

When it comes to flying, punctuality matters. It’s not just about reaching your destination on time—it’s about avoiding the stress and inconvenience that come with delayed flights. From business travellers who need to attend meetings to families eager to enjoy their vacations, choosing an airline with proven reliability makes a huge difference.

The 10 airlines listed above have shown that punctuality is a top priority, and they deliver on that promise. Whether you choose SAS, Iberia Express, Austrian Airlines, or one of the other top performers, you can be confident that you’re flying with an airline that values your time as much as you do.