In a year marked by the aviation industry's remarkable rebound, U.S. airlines have made significant strides toward operational efficiency, achieving notably higher rates of on-time flights and reducing cancellations.

This improvement comes as a welcome change for travelers, who have faced considerable disruptions in previous years. However, the journey wasn't without its turbulence.

Issues with baggage handling and tarmac delays continued to pose challenges, alongside persistently high levels of passenger complaints.

Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL  ) emerged as the top performer in The Wall Street Journal's annual review of airline operations, marking its third consecutive victory and securing its place at the forefront for six of the past seven years. The carrier's consistent performance underscores its operational resilience and commitment to customer service.

Alaska Air Group Inc (ALK  ) and Allegiant Travel Company (ALGT  ) also received high marks, taking the second and third spots, respectively, in the rankings.

Despite improvements across the board, JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU  ) found itself at the bottom of the list for the third year in a row, primarily due to the congested airspace over its New York City hub, according to WSJ.

The rankings, which evaluate nine major U.S. airlines across seven key operational metrics, reveal a complex picture of the industry's efforts to enhance reliability and customer satisfaction.

While the overall trend points toward improved performance, with the industry's best on-time arrival rate since 2019, the data also highlights areas where airlines continue to struggle. Delta's achievement in leading the pack is attributed to its reliable on-time performance and low complaint rates, a testament to the airline's effective management and customer-centric approach.

Notably, the industry's progress in reducing flight cancellations and delays has been uneven. The Journal reports that some carriers, like American Airlines Group Inc (AAL  ) and United Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL  ), have made significant gains, while others lag behind, underscoring the varied challenges airlines face in optimizing their operations.