Top 10 Largest Airlines in Europe

The European aviation sector is massive. You can see the evidence every time you look up or spend a few hours in a terminal. These companies move millions of people across borders every single day. It is a feat of engineering and coordination that most people take for granted. When you understand which airlines dominate the market, you get a better sense of how travel trends are shifting. Here are the ten largest airlines in Europe you must be aware of.

1. Ryanair

Ryanair is the undisputed king of the European skies by volume. They have grown from a small Irish operation into a giant that dictates the pace of the entire industry. You might find their extra fees for every little thing a bit annoying.

Their model relies on flying to secondary airports and keeping their planes in the air as much as possible. Last year, they carried over 181 million passengers. This scale allows them to offer prices that competitors cannot match. They have a massive fleet of Boeing 737s that you see at almost every airport across the continent.

2. Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group is a very different airline company compared to the budget carriers. This group includes the flagship German airline as well as Swiss International Air Lines and Austrian Airlines. They focus on providing a more traditional, full-service experience. You get a meal on long flights and a higher level of service in the cabin.

They handled around 123 million passengers recently. Their main hubs in Frankfurt and Munich are some of the busiest transit points on the planet. They are the primary choice for business travellers who need reliability.

3. International Airlines Group (IAG)

IAG is the parent company that brought British Airways and Iberia together. This was a smart move that allowed them to control much of the traffic between Europe and America. They also own Aer Lingus and the low-cost carrier Vueling.

They move about 115 million people annually. If you are flying out of London Heathrow, you are likely using one of their services. They balance the prestige of British Airways with the efficiency of their smaller brands.

4. Air France-KLM

This group is a fascinating partnership between two of the oldest and most respected names in aviation. They operate out of Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol. Together, they carry roughly 94 million passengers.

You will notice that their service often reflects the cultures of their home countries. Air France is known for a certain level of style, while KLM is famous for its blue planes and efficient Dutch hospitality.

5. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines has been on a path of rapid expansion for over a decade. They currently fly to more countries than any other airline in the world. Their hub in Istanbul acts as a bridge between the West and the East. They carried about 83 million passengers last year.

The service on board is often rated very highly, especially the food. You get a sense of luxury even in the economy cabin that many European rivals struggle to match.

6. easyJet

easyJet is the main rival to Ryanair in the low-cost space, but they take a slightly different approach. They tend to fly into main airports rather than distant secondary ones. They carry about 82 million passengers annually.

You can recognise them instantly by their bright orange branding. They have managed to stay popular by keeping their pricing simple and their routes convenient.

7. Wizz Air

Wizz Air has transformed travel in Central and Eastern Europe. They started small in Hungary and now have bases all over the continent. They moved about 60 million people last year. This airliner is very aggressive with its expansion and often flies to smaller cities that other airlines ignore. Their pink and purple planes are a common sight from London to Warsaw.

8. Pegasus Airlines

Pegasus is another major player from Turkey that focuses on the budget market. They are based at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. They carry around 32 million passengers annually. The company provides a very cost-effective way to get to holiday spots along the Mediterranean.

9. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)

SAS is the flag carrier for Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. While they have faced some financial hurdles, the airliner remains the backbone of Northern European travel. This airline agency is the go-to choice for anyone heading to the Arctic Circle or the major Scandinavian capitals.

10. TAP Air Portugal

TAP Air Portugal rounds out the top ten. They are the gateway to the Atlantic, especially for flights to Brazil. The airline carries about 16 million passengers yearly. You get a very warm and friendly service when you fly with them. The company has been updating their fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient planes to stay competitive.

Comparing the Top Ten Airlines in Europe

Here is a general comparison of the top ten airlines in Europe.

A Quick Thought

You have a lot of options when you decide to fly. These airlines compete for your business, which usually means better prices and more routes. However, even the biggest airlines face issues. This situation often leads to airlines saving billions because passengers do not know they can claim money back.

Lennuabi possesses more than 5 years of experience enforcing EU law for clients. Since 2017, Lennuabi processed over two million euros in claims for 10,000 satisfied customers. Lennuabi ensures airlines do not avoid their legal obligations when your travel plans are delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.