Short answer

• Use recent on‑time performance rankings (Cirium’s 2024 On‑Time Performance Review) as a primary guide. Among low‑cost carriers (LCCs) that performed best in 2024 were Iberia Express, Gol, Azul, Peach and Vueling — these LCCs tended to have the highest on‑time / lowest cancellation rates for short/short‑medium international hops in their regions. (Cirium.com)

Regional guidance (best LCCs for short international trips)

• Europe: Iberia Express and Vueling are top picks for short international hops inside Europe — both showed strong punctuality in 2024. If you fly within Europe, consider these first. (Cirium.com)
• Middle East / Gulf: Saudi market LCCs (flynas and flyadeal) have received strong operational and customer rankings recently (Skytrax awards and Cirium monthly/region reports showed very good punctuality for Saudi LCCs in 2024). For short cross‑Gulf trips they’re reliable options. (flynas.com)
• Asia (short regional routes): Peach (Japan) and some Asia‑Pacific LCCs such as AirAsia/Scoot often score well regionally — Peach was among the better punctual LCCs in 2024. (Cirium.com)
• Latin America: Gol and Azul were the top low‑cost performers in Cirium’s low‑cost list for 2024. If you travel short international legs there, prefer those. (Cirium.com)

Why I’m recommending these

• Cirium’s 2024 On‑Time Performance Review is a widely used industry benchmark that measures on‑time arrivals (within 15 minutes) and cancellation/completion rates across thousands of flights worldwide — it’s a good proxy for operational reliability. The list above reflects which LCCs had the best operational records in 2024. (Cirium.com)

Practical tips to maximize reliability for short international trips

• Book early‑morning flights (they have fewer knock‑on delays).
• Prefer nonstop/direct flights — connections multiply risk of delay.
• Choose airlines with good OTP at your origin/destination airport (some airlines perform well overall but suffer at particular hubs). Cirium’s airport punctuality tables are useful. (Cirium.com)
• For travel from Saudi Arabia / the Gulf, local LCCs (flynas, flyadeal, Air Arabia / Wizz Air Abu Dhabi where available) often have dense networks and good punctuality on regional routes — check recent monthly reports before booking. (flynas.com)
• Consider fare flexibility or a small premium for a higher‑ranked carrier if on‑time arrival is mission‑critical.

A final note on “most reliable”

• Airline punctuality/cancellations change year‑to‑year and seasonally (weather, strikes, network growth). The recommendations above are based on Cirium’s 2024 data and related industry coverage (published in late 2024/early 2025). If you want, I can check the most recent monthly OTP tables for the specific route or travel dates you’re considering. (Cirium.com)

Would you like me to look up the latest (month‑by‑month) punctuality for a particular route or airport?