AirHelp, the global travel service company known for its in-depth analysis of the aviation industry, has released its annual AirHelp Score for 2024, ranking the world’s best airlines and airports. The rankings evaluate airlines based on three key factors: punctuality, customer satisfaction, and handling complaints efficiently. Among Spanish airlines, five airlines made it into the top 100, with Iberia leading the pack.
Iberia Soars to 15th Globally
Iberia emerged as the top-ranked Spanish airline, securing the 15th spot worldwide with a total score of 7.35. Breaking down its performance:
- Punctuality: 8.4/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 8/10
- Complaint Handling: 5.7/10
Iberia’s low-cost subsidiary, Iberia Express, continues to make a name for itself as one of Europe’s most punctual airlines. In September 2024, it achieved a punctuality rate of 85.08% across 3,725 flights, according to aviation consultancy Cirium. This stellar performance placed Iberia Express at the top of Europe’s punctuality rankings and fourth among low-cost airlines globally.
Vueling and Volotea Improve Their Standing
- Vueling climbed 22 places from 2023 to rank 51st globally, scoring 6.48 overall. The airline excelled in punctuality (8.2) and customer satisfaction (7.3) but lagged in complaint handling, with a score of 3.9.
- Volotea, a leisure-focused airline, ranked 71st, earning a 5.71 overall score. While its punctuality and customer ratings stood at 7.6, its 2/10 complaint handling score was a significant drawback.
Mixed Results for Binter and Air Europa
- Binter, the Canary Islands-based airline, came in at 77th place with a 5.46 score. It excelled in customer satisfaction (8.2) and punctuality (7.4) but performed poorly in complaint handling, scoring just 0.9.
- Air Europa ranked 80th, slipping from its 2023 position. Its 5.41 overall score reflected strong punctuality (7.8) and customer experience (8) but a shockingly low 0.4/10 in complaint handling.
AirHelp’s annual rankings offer a detailed glimpse into airline performance, helping passengers make informed choices. While Spanish airlines showcased strong punctuality and customer experience, many struggled with complaint handling—a critical area for improvement.
