VARIFLIGHT MONTHLY AIRPORT REPORT
Global & China airport on-time performance
Departure OTP and flight volume data · August 2026
Get this month's data
▼ −0.77% YoY 3.28m departures worldwide (−0.76%)
China domestic airports average OTP 83.03% ▲ +4.15% YoY
- Most punctual of global top 20Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport · IAH78.09%
- Most departures worldwideChicago O'Hare International Airport · ORD39,690 flights
- Most punctual large China airportShenyang Taoxian · SHE91.53%
- China domestic passenger flightsYoY +3% · vs 2019 +22%471,700
How did airport on-time performance and flight volumes look in August 2026?
In August 2026, airports worldwide handled 3.28m actual departures, down 0.76% year on year. The global average departure on-time performance (OTP) was 72.62%, down 0.77% year on year. Chinese domestic airports averaged 83.03%, up 4.15% year on year and 10.41 percentage points above the global average.
Key findings
- In August 2026, airports worldwide handled 3.28 million actual departures, down 0.76% year on year, with a global average departure on-time performance (OTP) of 72.62%, down 0.77% (VariFlight data).
- In August 2026, Chinese domestic airports achieved an average departure OTP of 83.03%, up 4.15% year on year.
- Among the world's 20 airports with the most departures in August 2026, Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) ranked first for departure OTP at 78.09%, followed by Beijing Capital International (PEK) at 75.43% and Los Angeles International (LAX) at 73.70%.
- Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) was the world's busiest airport in August 2026 with 39,690 departures; Guangzhou Baiyun ranked 5th, Shanghai Pudong 7th and Beijing Capital 11th.
- Shenyang Taoxian International Airport was China's most punctual large airport (10m+ annual passengers) in August 2026 with 91.53% departure OTP, ahead of Chongqing Jiangbei International (90.95%) and Wuhan Tianhe International (90.90%).
- China operated 471,700 domestic passenger flights in August 2026, up 2.6% month on month, 3% year on year and 22% versus August 2019; 15,812 flights on 7 August set a 2026 single-day record.
- China's international and regional (Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan) passenger flights totalled 72,100 in August 2026, down 2% year on year and 15% below August 2019.
- China–South Korea flights reached 11,500 (both directions) in August 2026, up 14% year on year; China–Türkiye grew fastest at 55% year on year, while China–Japan flights remained more than 50% below both 2025 and 2019 levels.
- Among Chinese airports with 2–10 million annual passengers, Korla Lixiang Airport ranked first in August 2026 with 92.40% departure OTP, followed by Lhasa Gonggar International (92.18%) and Dali Fengyi (89.77%).
Which of the world's 20 busiest airports was the most punctual in August 2026?
In August 2026, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) ranked first for departure OTP among the world's 20 airports with the most departures, at 78.09%. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) again ranked second at 75.43%, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) third at 73.70%.
Among Chinese airports, Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN) ranked 7th at 70.31% and Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) ranked 12th at 64.06%.
Departure OTP · World's 20 busiest airports
Departure OTP ranking of the world's busiest airports, August 2026
Other countriesChinese airportsGlobal average 72.62%
Source: VariFlight · August 2026 · Top 20 airports by departures this month, ranked by departure OTP
| Rank | Airport | Code | Country | Departures | Departures YoY | Departure OTP | OTP YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport | IAH | US | 17,940 | −9.68% | 78.09% | +15.14% |
| 2 | Beijing Capital International Airport | PEK | China | 20,697 | +12.70% | 75.43% | −2.81% |
| 3 | Los Angeles International Airport | LAX | US | 22,113 | −9.41% | 73.70% | −5.58% |
| 4 | Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi) | DEL | India | 19,274 | +9.82% | 73.63% | −3.14% |
| 5 | Istanbul Airport | IST | Türkiye | 23,949 | +1.11% | 71.16% | +6.50% |
| 6 | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport | ATL | US | 34,465 | +12.68% | 71.01% | −5.70% |
| 7 | Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport | CAN | China | 24,813 | +9.67% | 70.31% | +2.86% |
| 8 | Frankfurt Airport | FRA | Germany | 18,800 | −12.33% | 67.78% | +10.47% |
| 9 | Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport | DFW | US | 30,947 | −0.92% | 67.74% | +11.32% |
| 10 | Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | AMS | Netherlands | 20,380 | −12.22% | 65.71% | +1.86% |
| 11 | Tokyo Haneda Airport | HND | Japan | 20,201 | −1.72% | 65.60% | −1.05% |
| 12 | Shanghai Pudong International Airport | PVG | China | 23,306 | +2.48% | 64.06% | −7.17% |
| 13 | Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport | MAD | Spain | 19,400 | +1.50% | 62.06% | +1.96% |
| 14 | Denver International Airport | DEN | US | 30,284 | −0.65% | 60.20% | −5.15% |
| 15 | Seattle-Tacoma International Airport | SEA | US | 20,915 | −3.96% | 58.67% | −7.25% |
| 16 | Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport | CDG | France | 20,087 | −10.35% | 58.45% | +14.00% |
| 17 | Charlotte Douglas International Airport | CLT | US | 20,939 | −4.84% | 57.18% | −14.61% |
| 18 | London Heathrow Airport | LHR | UK | 20,568 | −1.28% | 56.55% | −1.04% |
| 19 | Chicago O'Hare International Airport | ORD | US | 39,690 | −2.62% | 45.35% | −17.83% |
| 20 | New York John F. Kennedy International Airport | JFK | US | 18,583 | −11.81% | 44.70% | −15.24% |
What was the world's busiest airport in August 2026?
In August 2026, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) handled 39,690 departures, the most of any airport worldwide, followed by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (34,465) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (30,947). Among Chinese airports, Guangzhou Baiyun ranked 5th, Shanghai Pudong 7th and Beijing Capital 11th.
Departures × OTP
World's busiest airports: departures vs on-time performance, August 2026
Other countriesChinese airportsGlobal average OTP
Source: VariFlight · August 2026 · Hover over a point for details
- NO. 1ORDChicago O'Hare International Airport39,690 flights
- NO. 2ATLHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport34,465 flights
- NO. 3DFWDallas/Fort Worth International Airport30,947 flights
- NO. 4DENDenver International Airport30,284 flights
- NO. 5CANGuangzhou Baiyun International Airport24,813 flights
How many domestic flights did China operate in August 2026?
In August 2026, China operated 471,700 domestic passenger flights, up 2.6% on July, 3% on August 2025 and 22% on August 2019. On 7 Aug, 15,812 flights operated, the highest single-day total of 2026.
How many international flights did China operate in August 2026, and what happened to China–Japan flights?
In August 2026, China operated 72,100 international and regional (Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan) passenger flights, down 2% year on year and 15% below August 2019. China–South Korea flights totalled 11,500 in both directions, up 14% year on year, while China–Japan flights continued to contract, remaining more than 50% below both 2025 and 2019 levels.
Source: VariFlight · August 2026 · VariFlight civil aviation dashboard
Which large Chinese airport was the most punctual in August 2026?
In August 2026, Shenyang Taoxian International Airport ranked first among large Chinese airports (10m+ annual passengers) with 91.53% departure OTP; Chongqing Jiangbei International (90.95%) and Wuhan Tianhe International (90.90%) ranked second and third.
By departures, the three busiest were Guangzhou Baiyun (24,813), Shanghai Pudong (23,306) and Beijing Capital (20,697). Compared with August 2025, 23 of these airports increased departures; Urumqi Tianshan International grew fastest (+19.91%), while Wenzhou Longwan International fell the most (−13.34%).
Departure OTP · Large Chinese airports
Top 10 large Chinese airports by departure OTP, August 2026
Source: VariFlight · August 2026 · Large airports: 10m+ annual passengers
| Rank | Airport | Code | Departures | Departures YoY | Departure OTP | OTP YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shenyang Taoxian | SHE | 7,406 | −2.85% | 91.53% | +7.07% |
| 2 | Chongqing Jiangbei | CKG | 15,992 | +9.34% | 90.95% | +4.15% |
| 3 | Wuhan Tianhe | WUH | 9,876 | −4.68% | 90.90% | +6.61% |
| 4 | Zhengzhou Xinzheng | CGO | 8,898 | −4.53% | 90.57% | +7.71% |
| 5 | Lanzhou Zhongchuan | LHW | 6,713 | −1.55% | 90.45% | +5.47% |
| 6 | Nanchang Changbei | KHN | 4,584 | +2.18% | 90.45% | +5.58% |
| 7 | Harbin Taiping | HRB | 8,052 | +7.89% | 89.51% | −0.49% |
| 8 | Jinan Yaoqiang | TNA | 6,704 | −1.51% | 89.28% | +13.63% |
| 9 | Chengdu Tianfu | TFU | 17,861 | −0.29% | 89.00% | +7.70% |
| 10 | Tianjin Binhai | TSN | 6,430 | +2.67% | 88.60% | +10.78% |
| 11 | Guiyang Longdongbao | KWE | 8,807 | +7.27% | 88.26% | +6.33% |
| 12 | Urumqi Tianshan | URC | 10,965 | +19.91% | 88.25% | −2.80% |
| 13 | Changchun Longjia | CGQ | 5,403 | −2.33% | 88.10% | −0.29% |
| 14 | Hefei Xinqiao | HFE | 4,536 | −1.50% | 88.05% | +15.06% |
| 15 | Hohhot Baita | HET | 5,884 | +0.15% | 87.92% | +3.16% |
| 16 | Taiyuan Wusu | TYN | 4,944 | −8.41% | 87.84% | +7.45% |
| 17 | Chengdu Shuangliu | CTU | 10,970 | +17.25% | 87.40% | +7.06% |
| 18 | Dalian Zhoushuizi | DLC | 7,587 | +0.37% | 87.32% | +3.26% |
| 19 | Qingdao Jiaodong | TAO | 9,671 | +1.56% | 87.28% | +15.09% |
| 20 | Xi'an Xianyang | XIY | 15,501 | −0.31% | 87.26% | +4.59% |
| 21 | Kunming Changshui | KMG | 15,929 | −0.33% | 87.11% | +6.07% |
| 22 | Haikou Meilan | HAK | 7,966 | −0.75% | 87.01% | +4.84% |
| 23 | Shijiazhuang Zhengding | SJW | 4,510 | +14.06% | 86.72% | +1.48% |
| 24 | Changsha Huanghua | CSX | 9,939 | +0.99% | 86.18% | +2.74% |
| 25 | Sanya Phoenix | SYX | 6,107 | +5.31% | 85.98% | +10.02% |
| 26 | Nanning Wuxu | NNG | 4,570 | +9.70% | 85.75% | +3.85% |
| 27 | Beijing Daxing | PKX | 17,108 | +14.05% | 82.92% | −2.10% |
| 28 | Wenzhou Longwan | WNZ | 3,899 | −13.34% | 81.43% | +5.73% |
| 29 | Fuzhou Changle | FOC | 5,248 | +2.08% | 81.33% | +3.16% |
| 30 | Jieyang Chaoshan | SWA | 3,525 | −3.90% | 81.28% | +5.05% |
| 31 | Zhuhai Jinwan | ZUH | 4,208 | −2.21% | 80.99% | +5.96% |
| 32 | Nanjing Lukou | NKG | 10,705 | +3.13% | 80.26% | +7.61% |
| 33 | Shenzhen Bao'an | SZX | 17,805 | +2.63% | 79.46% | +17.02% |
| 34 | Ningbo Lishe | NGB | 4,931 | −4.16% | 77.55% | +2.12% |
| 35 | Xiamen Gaoqi | XMN | 8,545 | −0.56% | 75.73% | −0.29% |
| 36 | Beijing Capital | PEK | 20,697 | +12.70% | 75.43% | −2.81% |
| 37 | Hangzhou Xiaoshan | HGH | 14,115 | +1.12% | 74.45% | +4.22% |
| 38 | Shanghai Hongqiao | SHA | 11,894 | −0.84% | 71.00% | −3.47% |
| 39 | Guangzhou Baiyun | CAN | 24,813 | +9.67% | 70.31% | +2.86% |
| 40 | Wuxi Shuofang | WUX | 3,463 | +3.31% | 67.60% | +0.18% |
| 41 | Shanghai Pudong | PVG | 23,306 | +2.48% | 64.06% | −7.17% |
Which mid-sized Chinese airport was the most punctual in August 2026?
In August 2026, Korla Lixiang Airport ranked first among Chinese airports with 2–10 million annual passengers, at 92.40% departure OTP, followed by Lhasa Gonggar International (92.18%) and Dali Fengyi (89.77%). Year on year, Dali Fengyi recorded the fastest growth in departures (+35.86%), while Ordos Ejin Horo International saw the largest decline (−28.70%).
Departure OTP · Chinese airports with 2–10m passengers
Top 10 mid-sized Chinese airports by departure OTP, August 2026
Source: VariFlight · August 2026
| Rank | Airport | Code | Departures | Departures YoY | Departure OTP | OTP YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Korla Lixiang | KRL | 1,316 | +16.77% | 92.40% | +0.32% |
| 2 | Lhasa Gonggar | LXA | 2,877 | +8.65% | 92.18% | +4.99% |
| 3 | Dali Fengyi | DLU | 2,258 | +35.86% | 89.77% | +8.59% |
| 4 | Aksu Hongqipo | AKU | 1,244 | +2.05% | 89.39% | +0.15% |
| 5 | Yulin Yuyang | UYN | 1,386 | +1.39% | 89.03% | +2.88% |
| 6 | Yuncheng Yanhu | YCU | 1,319 | +5.69% | 88.78% | +10.58% |
| 7 | Luzhou Yunlong | LZO | 876 | −11.34% | 88.58% | +5.96% |
| 8 | Ordos Ejin Horo | DSN | 1,314 | −28.70% | 88.51% | +7.81% |
| 9 | Linyi Qiyang | LYI | 888 | −4.00% | 87.61% | +11.02% |
| 10 | Beihai Fucheng | BHY | 990 | +6.68% | 87.47% | +10.44% |
| 11 | Lijiang Sanyi | LJG | 3,947 | +5.00% | 86.67% | +3.46% |
| 12 | Dehong Mangshi | LUM | 1,565 | +29.55% | 86.65% | +3.53% |
| 13 | Xishuangbanna Gasa | JHG | 2,459 | +21.19% | 86.09% | −3.01% |
| 14 | Yichang Sanxia | YIH | 1,412 | +1.44% | 85.91% | +10.11% |
| 15 | Zhanjiang Wuchuan | ZHA | 1,168 | +11.34% | 85.53% | +9.95% |
| 16 | Yibin Wuliangye | YBP | 769 | −16.95% | 85.44% | +9.42% |
| 17 | Kashgar Laining | KHG | 2,283 | +7.64% | 85.33% | +2.25% |
| 18 | Xining Caojiabao | XNN | 4,195 | −12.49% | 85.24% | +8.25% |
| 19 | Guilin Liangjiang | KWL | 2,113 | −12.43% | 84.86% | +8.74% |
| 20 | Yining | YIN | 1,942 | +6.82% | 84.71% | −5.99% |
| 21 | Yantai Penglai | YNT | 3,301 | −6.14% | 84.49% | +6.31% |
| 22 | Yinchuan Hedong | INC | 3,859 | −9.82% | 84.40% | +3.78% |
| 23 | Mianyang Nanjiao | MIG | 1,116 | −6.61% | 84.32% | +10.12% |
| 24 | Hulunbuir Hailar | HLD | 2,273 | +7.83% | 83.15% | −0.92% |
| 25 | Weihai Dashuibo | WEH | 1,380 | +11.47% | 82.61% | +8.45% |
| 26 | Zhoushan Putuoshan | HSN | 849 | −1.96% | 82.33% | +1.57% |
| 27 | Xuzhou Guanyin | XUZ | 1,609 | +1.45% | 81.85% | +10.39% |
| 28 | Ganzhou Huangjin | KOW | 763 | −9.70% | 80.47% | −0.59% |
| 29 | Zhangjiajie Hehua | DYG | 800 | −7.51% | 80.38% | +2.54% |
| 30 | Quanzhou Jinjiang | JJN | 2,607 | −0.31% | 79.86% | +4.00% |
| 31 | Yiwu | YIW | 1,301 | +2.20% | 75.48% | +18.04% |
| 32 | Taizhou Luqiao | HYN | 725 | −18.99% | 74.34% | +7.84% |
| 33 | Nantong Xingdong | NTG | 1,723 | +4.42% | 73.30% | −8.79% |
| 34 | Yancheng Nanyang | YNZ | 868 | +7.69% | 72.35% | +2.67% |
| 35 | Huizhou Pingtan | HUZ | 1,129 | −10.25% | 70.42% | +10.73% |
| 36 | Huai'an Lianshui | HIA | 741 | −22.65% | 68.69% | +11.72% |
| 37 | Changzhou Benniu | CZX | 1,832 | −6.86% | 63.16% | +6.72% |
| 38 | Yangzhou Taizhou | YTY | 1,598 | +9.15% | 62.39% | −6.51% |
Airport on-time performance: frequently asked questions
Which major airport was the most punctual in the world in August 2026?
According to VariFlight data, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) had the highest departure on-time performance among the world's 20 airports with the most departures in August 2026, at 78.09%. Beijing Capital International Airport ranked second at 75.43%, the highest of any Chinese airport in the top 20.
What was the busiest airport in the world in August 2026?
According to VariFlight data, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) had the most departures in August 2026, with 39,690 flights, followed by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (34,465) and Dallas/Fort Worth International (30,947).
Which Chinese airport was the most punctual in August 2026?
According to VariFlight data, Shenyang Taoxian International Airport had the highest departure on-time performance among large Chinese airports (10m+ annual passengers) in August 2026, at 91.53%. Among airports with 2–10 million annual passengers, Korla Lixiang Airport led with 92.40%.
What was Beijing Capital Airport's on-time performance in August 2026?
According to VariFlight data, Beijing Capital International Airport achieved 75.43% departure on-time performance in August 2026, with 20,697 departures (up 12.70% year on year), ranking 2nd among the world's 20 airports with the most departures.
What was Shanghai Pudong Airport's on-time performance in August 2026?
According to VariFlight data, Shanghai Pudong International Airport achieved 64.06% departure on-time performance in August 2026, with 23,306 departures, ranking 12th for on-time performance and 7th for departures among the world's 20 busiest airports.
How many domestic flights did China operate in August 2026?
According to VariFlight data, China operated 471,700 domestic passenger flights in August 2026, an average of 15,216 per day, up 3% year on year and 22% versus August 2019.
Have China–Japan flights recovered?
No. According to VariFlight data, China–Japan flight volumes continued to contract in August 2026, remaining more than 50% below both August 2025 and August 2019. Over the same period, China–South Korea flights grew 14% year on year.
How does VariFlight calculate departure on-time performance?
VariFlight counts a departing flight as on time if it takes off no more than 30 minutes after its scheduled departure time. Only scheduled commercial passenger flights are included; cargo, business aviation and general aviation flights, as well as cancelled flights, are excluded.
Airport on-time performance data summary, August 2026
Departure OTP of the world's 20 busiest airports
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): 78.09% (17,940 departures) · Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): 75.43% (20,697 departures) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 73.70% (22,113 departures) · Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi) (DEL): 73.63% (19,274 departures) · Istanbul Airport (IST): 71.16% (23,949 departures) · Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): 71.01% (34,465 departures) · Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): 70.31% (24,813 departures) · Frankfurt Airport (FRA): 67.78% (18,800 departures) · Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): 67.74% (30,947 departures) · Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS): 65.71% (20,380 departures) · Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): 65.60% (20,201 departures) · Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): 64.06% (23,306 departures) · Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD): 62.06% (19,400 departures) · Denver International Airport (DEN): 60.20% (30,284 departures) · Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): 58.67% (20,915 departures) · Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): 58.45% (20,087 departures) · Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): 57.18% (20,939 departures) · London Heathrow Airport (LHR): 56.55% (20,568 departures) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): 45.35% (39,690 departures) · New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): 44.70% (18,583 departures)
Top 10 large Chinese airports by departure OTP
Shenyang Taoxian (SHE): 91.53% · Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG): 90.95% · Wuhan Tianhe (WUH): 90.90% · Zhengzhou Xinzheng (CGO): 90.57% · Lanzhou Zhongchuan (LHW): 90.45% · Nanchang Changbei (KHN): 90.45% · Harbin Taiping (HRB): 89.51% · Jinan Yaoqiang (TNA): 89.28% · Chengdu Tianfu (TFU): 89.00% · Tianjin Binhai (TSN): 88.60%
Top 10 Chinese airports with 2–10m passengers by departure OTP
Korla Lixiang (KRL): 92.40% · Lhasa Gonggar (LXA): 92.18% · Dali Fengyi (DLU): 89.77% · Aksu Hongqipo (AKU): 89.39% · Yulin Yuyang (UYN): 89.03% · Yuncheng Yanhu (YCU): 88.78% · Luzhou Yunlong (LZO): 88.58% · Ordos Ejin Horo (DSN): 88.51% · Linyi Qiyang (LYI): 87.61% · Beihai Fucheng (BHY): 87.47%
Source: VariFlight · August 2026 · Departure OTP is the share of departures taking off no more than 30 minutes late
Methodology
- Data period
- 2026-08-01 to 2026-08-31
- Passenger flights
- Scheduled commercial passenger flights only; cargo, business aviation and general aviation flights are excluded
- Actual departures
- Departures with recorded actual take-off and arrival times in VariFlight data; cancelled flights are excluded
- On-time departure
- A departure that takes off no more than 30 minutes after its scheduled time
- Schedules and operating carrier
- As shown in ticketing systems
- Chinese domestic airports
- Civil airports in mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan
- Airport size
- Large airports handle 10m+ passengers a year; mid-sized airports handle 2–10 million passengers a year
When citing this report, please credit: "Source: VariFlight, Airport On-Time Performance Report, August 2026". Previous report: July 2026 airport on-time performance rankings