It is still possible to be punctual within Europe - last year and the year before Iberia was the most punctual network carrier in the world and Iberia Express the most punctual LCC.
I worked tangentially with Iberia on their initiatives to build this position and they took a forensic approach, invested heavily to "fix" their problems and then applied intelligent cost cutting. See also the IAG annual report for major improvements at BA, VY and EI. A former colleague of mine always opined "you can't be profitable and punctual". Willie may be proving him wrong.