Ryanair has secured seventh place out of 20 airlines for the best low-cost provider in the entire world, being beaten by competitor easyJet, which secured fifth in the rankings
Ryanair has been announced as the world’s seventh-best budget airline operator, a surprisingly lowly spot for the low-cost giant.
AirlineRatings.com recently announced the World’s Best Airline Awards for 2025, including the top 20 low cost airlines for the year, in which Ryanair placed seventh. The ultra low-cost airline group were beaten by competitor easyJet, which ranked fifth. AirAsia secured the top spot.
Other budget airlines popular with Brits were further down the rankings including TUI, which came 13th, Jet2 in 18th, Wizz Air in 19th and Vueling securing the last spot in 20th. For the top 20 low-cost airlines of 2025, AirlineRatings.com considered airlines that offer a combination of affordable on-board services, such as meals, drinks, and snacks. Additional services like Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment may be available for purchase.
The highest-ranked low-cost carriers offer exceptionally low base fares and maintain an excellent route network. These airlines must also meet rigorous safety standards, including having a seven-star safety rating.
The overall Airline of the Year 2025 went to Korean Air “for its exceptional focus on passenger comfort, particularly in Economy Class, where it maintains industry-leading seat pitches of 33–34 inches on wide-body aircraft.
“Unlike many competitors, the airline has resisted reducing seat space, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience. Korean Air’s thoughtful touches, such as slippers and generous meal portions on long-haul flights, enhanced its appeal,” a statement on AirlineRatings.com reads.
“Beyond passenger experience, the airline’s financial stability, ground breaking merger with Asiana Airlines, and significant investments in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft showcased its commitment to innovation and future readiness, solidifying its win.”
Virgin Atlantic also featured on the full-service list, securing the 13th spot.
British Airways achieved 15th in the Hybrid Airlines category, which was new for 2025, whilst American company, JetBlue, snatched the number one spot. AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen commented: “These airlines deserve recognition for their excellence in hybrid operations and their innovative offerings. We are proud to be the first aviation media outlet to acknowledge this shift and introduce a dedicated category that celebrates hybrid airlines and their significant positive impact on the travel industry.”
AirlineRatings.com stated that the awards are “centred on passenger comfort, feedback, and product consistency across an airline’s route network. These awards are not a popularity contest; rather, each airline is thoroughly evaluated based on what it offers passengers throughout its fleet and network”.
Top 20 low cost airlines for 2025:
1. AirAsia
2. Jetstar
3. AirBaltic
4. HK Express
5. easyJet
6. FlyDubai
7. Ryanair
8. Scoot
9. Breeze
10. Southwest
11. SKY Airline
12. FlyNas
13. TUI
14. Norwegian
15. Indi GO
16. Air Arabia
17. Volaris
18. Jet2
19. Wizz
20. Vueling
Top 25 full-service airlines 2025
- Korean Air
- Qatar Airways
- Air New Zealand
- Cathay Pacific
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Qantas
- Etihad
- Turkish Airlines
- EVA Air
- Fiji Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- ANA
- Aero Mexico
- Air Caraibes
- Thai Airways
- STARLUX Airlines
- Vietnam Airlines
- Sri Lankan Airlines
- Air France
- KLM
- Air Calin
- Air Mauritius
- Garuda Indonesia
The Mirror has contacted easyJet, Ryanair, TUI, Jet2, Wizz Air and Vueling for comment.