Air India has been ranked the world's fourth most on-time airline for June 2026, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium, as the carrier continues its transformation programme and investment in operational performance.
Cirium's June On-Time Performance report found that Air India achieved an on-time arrival rate of 86.85 per cent across 15,135 monitored flights during the month.
The airline also recorded an on-time departure rate of 86.23 per cent and a completion factor of 99.7 per cent, meaning almost every scheduled flight operated as planned.
Air India said the performance reflects continued improvements in network planning, operational resilience and day-to-day execution across its domestic and international services.
The airline operates a hub-and-spoke network centred on Delhi and Mumbai, two of India's busiest airports, where congestion and air traffic control restrictions can have knock-on effects across the network.
To improve reliability, Air India said it has focused on boosting departure punctuality, reducing aircraft turnaround times, strengthening real-time operational monitoring and improving decision-making during disruptions.
The carrier has also introduced enhanced contingency planning and greater cross-functional coordination to help minimise the impact of weather events, airspace restrictions, airport congestion and technical issues.
The operational improvements come alongside one of the aviation industry's largest fleet renewal programmes.
Air India has placed orders for 600 Airbus and Boeing aircraft and has already added three new Boeing 787-9s over the past six months, with more Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A350-1000s due to join the fleet later this year.
The airline is also upgrading its existing widebody fleet. Two refurbished Boeing 787-8 aircraft have already returned to service, while three more are currently undergoing refurbishment in the US.
Air India expects more than half of its widebody fleet to feature new or upgraded interiors by the end of 2026 as it continues to enhance its long-haul offering alongside improvements in customer experience, digital services and global connectivity.