Top 10 Cheapest Airlines in Europe

Budget Airlines Continue to Dominate European Travel

Cheap airlines have transformed air travel across Europe, allowing millions of passengers to fly between cities for extremely low prices. These low-cost carriers (LCCs) use simplified services, fast aircraft turnaround times, and secondary airports to reduce operating costs and offer cheaper fares than traditional airlines.

Industry data shows that Europe has one of the world’s most mature budget airline markets, with hundreds of millions of passengers flying with low-cost carriers every year. The market is dominated by companies such as Ryanair and easyJet, which together operate thousands of daily flights across the continent.

Below are ten of the most popular and cheapest airlines operating in Europe.

1. Ryanair

Ryanair is widely considered the largest and often cheapest airline in Europe. The Irish carrier transported more than 197 million passengers in 2024, more than double its closest low-cost competitor.

The airline operates an extensive network across Europe and is known for ultra-low promotional fares that can sometimes drop below €30 for short flights.

2. Wizz Air

Wizz Air, based in Hungary, has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing budget airlines. It is especially strong in Central and Eastern Europe and frequently offers some of the lowest ticket prices on the market.

Promotional fares can start from just a few euros, although additional services such as baggage and seat selection typically cost extra.

3. easyJet

easyJet is one of Europe’s most recognizable low-cost airlines. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, it operates a large network connecting major cities such as London, Berlin, Milan, and Paris.

The airline focuses on busy airports and short-haul routes, making it a popular choice for both business travelers and tourists.

4. Vueling

Vueling is a Spanish low-cost airline based in Barcelona. It operates a large network of flights across Europe and the Mediterranean region.

The airline is part of the International Airlines Group (IAG) and is particularly popular for flights to and from Spain.

5. Transavia

Transavia is a budget airline owned by the Air France-KLM group. It focuses mainly on European holiday routes and offers competitive prices to destinations around Southern Europe.

Many travelers use Transavia for flights to popular tourist destinations such as Spain, Greece, and Portugal.

6. Eurowings

Eurowings is a German low-cost airline owned by Lufthansa Group. The airline operates flights across Europe and offers affordable fares combined with flexible travel options.

Eurowings also operates some longer-distance routes beyond Europe.

7. Volotea

Volotea specializes in connecting smaller European cities that are not always served by major airlines. The airline operates mainly within Southern and Western Europe.

Its route network often includes seasonal destinations popular with tourists.

8. Norwegian Air Shuttle

Norwegian is one of the largest low-cost airlines in Scandinavia and operates an extensive European network.

The airline became widely known for offering low-cost long-haul flights in the past and still maintains a strong presence in European short-haul travel.

9. Jet2

Jet2 is a British leisure airline that focuses on holiday routes from the UK to destinations across Europe.

It is particularly popular among travelers flying to Mediterranean resorts.

10. Pegasus Airlines

Pegasus Airlines is a Turkish low-cost carrier that connects Europe with Turkey and destinations across the Middle East.

The airline operates mainly from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport and has expanded rapidly in recent years.

Why European Budget Airlines Are So Cheap

European low-cost airlines keep ticket prices low using a different business model than traditional carriers. Their strategy typically includes:

• Using one aircraft type to reduce maintenance costs
• Flying to secondary airports with lower fees
• Charging extra for optional services like baggage
• Selling tickets directly online
• Operating aircraft for more hours per day

This approach allows some airlines to offer extremely cheap base fares, sometimes starting at just a few euros during promotional sales.

Budget Airlines Are Reshaping European Aviation

Low-cost airlines now carry a significant share of passengers in Europe and continue to expand their route networks. As competition between airlines increases, travelers benefit from lower prices and more flight options.

For passengers planning trips across Europe, budget airlines remain one of the most affordable ways to travel between countries and major cities.