No Pakistani Airline Meets On-Time Departure Requirement

News Desk 

ISLAMABAD: Flight delays have become increasingly common in Pakistan, with no airline meeting the mandatory on-time departure requirement during 2026, according to a two-year performance report.

The report shows that only 67.5 percent of flights departed on schedule in 2026, down from 68.4 percent in 2025. In 2024, around 72.6 percent of flights operated by five airlines departed on time.

Under aviation regulations, airlines are required to ensure that at least 80 percent of their flights depart on schedule.

The report also highlighted compliance issues related to flight cancellations. In 2024, only two of four airlines assessed met the prescribed standards for cancellations, prompting regulatory action by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

According to the CAA, airlines failing to meet the required performance benchmarks are being issued show-cause notices and fined. Penalties of up to Rs1 million can be imposed for flight delays or cancellations.

The authority has also introduced a mechanism under which fines for non-compliance are deducted directly from the airlines’ deposited funds.

The report also highlighted compliance issues related to flight cancellations. In 2024, only two of four airlines assessed met the prescribed standards for cancellations, prompting regulatory action by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).