Europe’s low-cost airlines have reshaped how people travel across the continent, turning quick weekend getaways or business trips into affordable options for millions.
In 2025, Skytrax highlights the carriers leading this market, balancing low fares with reliable service, wide networks, and a growing focus on passenger comfort.
Top 10 Low-Cost Airlines in Europe 2025
1. Eurowings
Eurowings, part of the Lufthansa Group, stands out as one of Europe’s most established low-cost airlines. Based in Germany, it connects passengers to an extensive network across Europe and even to long-haul destinations in North America and the Middle East.
Known for blending affordability with German reliability, Eurowings offers straightforward fares while giving passengers the option to customise their journey with add-ons like extra baggage, meals, or seat upgrades.
Business travellers also value its ties with Lufthansa, allowing for smoother connections and loyalty benefits. Its cabins are simple but efficient, while punctuality remains a strong point.
Eurowings appeals particularly to German and European leisure travellers, who appreciate its affordable links to sunny holiday spots and key cities alike.
2. Vueling Airlines
Vueling, based in Barcelona, has become a household name across Spain and much of southern Europe. With its vibrant yellow branding and extensive route map, the airline connects travellers to more than 100 destinations, ranging from major capitals to smaller regional airports.
It has a strong presence in markets like Italy and France, making it a flexible option for both leisure and business travel.
Vueling’s cabins are no-frills but modern, with the option to personalise extras such as meals and seating. Its digital platforms also make bookings and trip management simple, which appeals to younger travellers.
As part of the IAG Group, Vueling benefits from operational backing while still keeping fares competitive. In 2025, it continues to serve as a go-to choice for those seeking affordable, accessible flights across Europe without sacrificing network breadth.
3. Volotea
Volotea has carved out a unique niche in Europe by focusing on secondary airports and less-served city pairs.
Based in Spain, it operates routes connecting medium-sized cities across France, Italy, Spain, and Greece — often bypassing larger hubs to provide more direct links. This approach makes it especially popular with leisure travellers looking for convenient, low-cost flights to holiday destinations.
Volotea’s colourful branding and community-focused identity resonate with passengers seeking a friendlier budget airline experience.
Cabins are straightforward, offering basic seating with optional add-ons, while fares remain consistently competitive. The airline’s seasonal route planning also ensures strong demand during summer travel peaks.
In 2025, Volotea continues to thrive by offering routes that other carriers overlook, giving travellers greater choice and flexibility in reaching smaller yet highly desirable European cities.
4. Transavia France
Transavia France, part of the Air France-KLM Group, is a strong player in the French and wider European low-cost market. Operating mainly from Paris Orly and Lyon, the airline serves popular leisure destinations across southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Known for its green and white branding, Transavia positions itself as a friendly and approachable airline, appealing to families and holidaymakers.
Its cabins are simple, with buy-on-board meals and extras available to customise the journey. Being part of Air France-KLM gives it a reliability edge, while still keeping ticket prices low.
Many French travellers see Transavia as their first choice for affordable flights to Mediterranean beaches or cultural hotspots. In 2025, it continues to expand steadily, maintaining its place as one of Europe’s most reliable low-cost leisure carriers.
5. Iberia Express
Iberia Express plays a key role in Spain’s aviation market, operating as the low-cost arm of Iberia. Based in Madrid, the airline serves short- and medium-haul routes across Europe while also feeding passengers into Iberia’s long-haul network at Madrid-Barajas. This dual function makes it particularly attractive for budget-conscious travellers connecting onto international flights.
Iberia Express offers simple yet efficient cabins, with passengers able to pay for extras like meals or seat selection. Its punctuality record is strong, and being part of the Iberia Group ensures a consistent operational standard.
For Spanish travellers and international visitors alike, Iberia Express strikes a balance between affordability and reliability. In 2025, it remains a well-regarded choice for those seeking low fares while retaining access to the broader benefits of Iberia’s global network.
6. easyJet
EasyJet has long been a giant of Europe’s budget airline market, with its iconic orange branding recognised across the continent. Based in the UK, it operates one of the largest low-cost networks, serving hundreds of destinations across Europe and North Africa.
EasyJet appeals to both leisure and business travellers, thanks to its combination of competitive fares, strong punctuality, and presence in primary airports such as London Gatwick, Berlin, and Milan.
Cabins are straightforward but modern, with flexible add-ons like speedy boarding or extra legroom. Its digital platforms are among the most advanced in the low-cost sector, making travel planning seamless.
In 2025, EasyJet remains a cornerstone of Europe’s affordable air travel scene, offering reliable connections to both major cities and holiday destinations across an immense network.
7. Ryanair
Ryanair is Europe’s largest low-cost airline by passenger numbers, renowned for its ultra-low fares and vast route network. Headquartered in Dublin, Ryanair connects over 200 destinations, often operating from secondary airports to keep costs down.
While its no-frills service has a reputation for being bare-bones, many passengers appreciate the sheer affordability and frequency of flights. The airline’s focus on efficiency has made it one of the most punctual carriers in Europe.
In recent years, Ryanair has also worked to improve its customer experience, with upgraded digital platforms and more transparent add-on options. It remains especially popular with price-sensitive travellers, students, and families looking for holiday deals.
In 2025, Ryanair continues to dominate the European low-cost market, making flying accessible to millions across the continent each year.
8. Jet2.com
Jet2.com, based in the UK, is particularly well-regarded among leisure travellers heading to Mediterranean destinations. Unlike some rivals, Jet2.com pairs low fares with a strong reputation for customer service, consistently earning high satisfaction ratings. Its bright red branding and close ties with Jet2holidays make it a popular choice for package holidays.
Operating from regional UK airports such as Leeds, Manchester, and Birmingham, Jet2.com provides a convenient gateway to sun destinations in Spain, Greece, Turkey, and beyond.
Cabins are straightforward but comfortable, with buy-on-board food and add-ons available. Reliability and friendliness remain central to its appeal, with crew often praised for going the extra mile.
In 2025, Jet2.com continues to grow steadily, striking a balance between affordability and a warmer, more personal low-cost flying experience.
9. airBaltic
airBaltic, headquartered in Riga, Latvia, has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most modern and innovative low-cost carriers. Operating an all-Airbus A220 fleet, it offers passengers a quieter, more comfortable cabin experience compared to many rivals.
While its fares are competitive, airBaltic positions itself slightly above the ultra-low-cost model, focusing on reliability and service quality.
It connects the Baltic states with key European hubs, as well as destinations further afield, making it a vital carrier for the region. Passengers value the airline’s digital convenience and punctuality, while its green branding underscores a commitment to sustainability.
In 2025, airBaltic continues to expand its reach, offering an attractive balance of affordability and modern service standards, standing out as a distinctive player in Europe’s low-cost sector.
10. Pegasus Airlines
Pegasus Airlines, based in Istanbul, is Turkey’s leading low-cost airline and a major player linking Europe with destinations across the Middle East and Asia. Known for its competitive pricing and wide route network, Pegasus appeals to both leisure and visiting friends and relatives traffic.
Its cabins are simple, with optional extras like meals, baggage, and seating upgrades available to passengers.
The airline operates from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, giving it easy access to both European and Asian markets. Pegasus is especially valued for providing affordable alternatives on routes that might otherwise be dominated by full-service carriers.
In 2025, it continues to strengthen its position as a vital bridge between Europe and neighbouring regions, making it a key name in the continent’s low-cost airline landscape.
Bottom Line
From Germany’s Eurowings to Turkey’s Pegasus, Europe’s low-cost airlines each bring their own flavour to affordable flying. Whether it’s Vueling’s strong Mediterranean focus, Ryanair’s vast reach, or Jet2.com’s holiday appeal, these carriers have turned the continent into one of the easiest places in the world to explore by air.
In 2025, Europe’s budget airlines continue to compete fiercely while keeping millions of journeys within reach of everyday travellers.
Best Low-Cost European Airlines FAQs
The ranking for the best low-cost airlines in Europe has been published by Skytrax, the global aviation rating program.
The best low-cost carrier in Europe is Eurowings.
Factors like service, route network, on-time performance, and value for money are taken into consideration in the final rankings.
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