For the second consecutive year, Salt Lake City International Airport is first in the nation for on-time arrivals and departures, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The department's Bureau of Transportation Statistics found that 83.51 percent of the airport's flights are on time, and 86.35 percent of the departures are on time. The industry standard for an on-time arrival or departure is the plane moving within 15 minutes of schedule.

Maureen Riley, executive director of the Salt Lake City Department of Airports, believes the No. 1 ranking is due to close communication between the airport and the Federal Aviation Administration's local Air Traffic Control operation.

"This collaboration and communication, coupled with a strong snow-control program, creates an environment conductive to efficient airfield operation," she said.

Phoenix ranked No. 2 and Chicago ranked No. 3 for on-time arrivals. For on-time departures, Portland, Ore., ranked No. 2, and Washington D.C.'s Ronald Reagan National ranked No. 3.