Airlines balance the costs for fuel against costs for delays
EU air passenger rights in case of denied boarding, a delayed flight or a cancelled flight grant delayed passengers a compensation of up to € 600.-!
Pilots, flight attendants, passengers or luggage, generate extra costs when missing a connecting flight. Cheap fuel is spent for high speed flying to minimise any costs due to chronic airline delays.
To stay on top of the punctuality-rankings, airlines nudge pilot’s to depart not one minute late. Up to 50% of the flights are therefore flown high speed to catch up delays into congested European hubs. 2018 OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited, On-time performance for airlines and airports and Top 20 busiest routes.