Low-cost carriers have reshaped global air travel, making it easier than ever for millions of passengers to fly affordably without compromising too much on safety or comfort.
Each year, Skytrax highlights the best of these airlines, recognising those that manage to balance competitive pricing with solid reliability, decent service, and growing route networks.
Top 20 Best Low-Cost Airlines 2025
In 2025, the list reflects not only long-established players like AirAsia, Ryanair, and easyJet, but also fast-rising names such as FlyArystan and JetSMART. Together, these airlines show how budget flying continues to evolve across different regions of the world.
1. AirAsia
AirAsia has long been a household name in Asia, and in 2025, it continues to set the benchmark for budget flying. With a huge network linking Southeast Asia, India, China, and beyond, it offers more destinations than most rivals can dream of.
Flights are simple and affordable, but the airline adds personality with cheerful crews, decent legroom in newer planes, and plenty of extras like hot meals and baggage bundles at fair prices.
AirAsia also runs a strong loyalty scheme, giving regulars extra perks. For travellers chasing value without fuss, it remains a trusted, lively choice.
2. Scoot
Scoot, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines, has carved out its own personality with playful branding and bright yellow jets. It links Singapore with Asia, Australia, and even some European cities, all while keeping fares competitive.
What sets Scoot apart is its balance: low prices paired with the reassurance of backing from one of the world’s most respected airlines. Optional extras like extra legroom, Wi-Fi, and proper meals make longer flights manageable.
The crew brings a relaxed, friendly approach that passengers appreciate. Scoot has become a smart pick for budget-conscious travellers who still want a sense of reliability.
3. IndiGo
IndiGo dominates the Indian skies, and in 2025, it shows no sign of slowing down. Known for punctuality and no-nonsense service, it connects not just India’s major cities but also smaller towns, as well as international destinations across Asia and the Middle East.
Its blue-and-white fleet is clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and fares are often unbeatable.
While extras are paid for, the airline’s efficiency makes it stand out — flights generally run on time, and boarding feels organised.
4. Eurowings
As part of the Lufthansa Group, Eurowings has grown into a major budget player across Europe. Based in Germany, it links countless cities with both short-haul and longer flights reaching North America and the Middle East.
Its fares are competitive, and passengers can add extras like seat selection, priority boarding, and meals depending on their budget.
The airline benefits from Lufthansa’s expertise yet keeps its own youthful, affordable image. Onboard, cabins are simple but comfortable, with friendly German efficiency from staff.
5. Vueling Airlines
Vueling, based in Spain, continues to thrive as a key low-cost carrier for both leisure and business travellers. It serves an extensive network across Europe, particularly strong in Spain, France, and Italy, while also flying to North Africa and beyond. Fares are flexible, with plenty of add-on options for those wanting extra comfort.
Vueling’s hubs in Barcelona and Rome make it a convenient gateway, while its fleet of Airbus aircraft offers reasonable comfort for short hops. With bright branding and friendly service,
The Spanish carrier appeals to both budget travellers and those after affordable but reliable connections across the Mediterranean and beyond.
6. Volotea
Volotea is a Spanish low-cost carrier that has carved out a niche by focusing on secondary airports and underserved routes across Europe. Its business model appeals to passengers looking for direct flights between smaller cities without having to change at large hubs.
The airline has built a loyal following among holidaymakers and locals alike, thanks to competitive fares and straightforward service.
Volotea’s fleet of Airbus aircraft is comfortable for short journeys, and the airline offers a range of optional extras like seat selection and priority boarding. It’s a reliable choice for affordable, point-to-point European travel.
7. Transavia France
Operating under the Air France–KLM umbrella, Transavia France blends budget efficiency with a touch of traditional European airline polish.
The carrier is especially popular with leisure travellers, serving sunny destinations across Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Fares are low but flexible, and passengers can customise their journey with options such as extra baggage, meals, or priority boarding.
Its association with a major airline group lends confidence to travellers, while the cabin crews maintain a friendly and approachable style.
8. Iberia Express
As Iberia’s low-cost subsidiary, Iberia Express plays a key role in Spain’s aviation market. From its base in Madrid, it connects Spanish cities with key European capitals, as well as offering convenient links to Iberia’s long-haul network.
The airline focuses on affordability and punctuality, which appeals to both business and leisure travellers. Onboard, cabins are simple but modern, with pleasant service and a range of buy-on-board food options.
For passengers wanting cheap European flights while keeping the reassurance of Iberia’s backing, Iberia Express is a practical choice.
9. Flynas
Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier, Flynas, has expanded rapidly and now plays a major role in the Middle East’s aviation market. It operates a modern fleet of Airbus aircraft and serves both domestic routes within Saudi Arabia and international destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Passengers appreciate its competitive fares and straightforward service, which make it an attractive alternative to pricier regional carriers.
With Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector growing, Flynas has become a vital link for visitors and locals alike. Friendly crews and clean cabins round off the experience, making it a strong player among low-cost airlines.
10. easyJet
easyJet remains one of Europe’s most recognisable low-cost airlines, with its bright orange branding and huge network. From bases across the UK and Europe, it connects hundreds of cities, making it especially popular with leisure travellers.
easyJet has grown to be more than just a cheap carrier, with flexible fare bundles, speedy boarding, and seating upgrades on offer. Its app and online systems are among the best in the budget sector, making booking and managing trips easy.
Onboard, the atmosphere is casual but efficient, with crews keeping things upbeat. For budget-conscious travellers, easyJet continues to deliver dependable value.
11. Ryanair
Ryanair has long been one of Europe’s biggest low-cost airlines, famous for its no-frills approach and extensive route map. The Irish carrier connects countless cities across Europe, often at prices that are hard to beat.
While extras such as baggage, seat selection, and food come at an additional cost, its fares remain among the lowest in the market. Ryanair has built its reputation on punctuality and efficiency, with quick turnarounds and high aircraft utilisation.
Although service is basic, the airline appeals to budget-conscious travellers who value affordability above all, especially on short European hops.
12. Jet2
Jet2, based in the UK, has become a favourite for leisure travellers heading to sunny holiday destinations. Known for its friendly service and reliability, the airline strikes a balance between low fares and customer care. It serves a wide network across Europe and beyond, often paired with its holiday package arm, Jet2holidays.
Passengers appreciate the comfortable seating, clear pricing, and generally positive in-flight experience.
Jet2 stands out for maintaining a welcoming atmosphere, with staff often receiving praise for their helpfulness. For families and holidaymakers, it provides a low-cost option without sacrificing too much comfort or service quality.
13. HK Express
HK Express is Hong Kong’s only dedicated low-cost carrier, and it has carved out a solid niche in the region. The airline serves popular Asian destinations, particularly in Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, appealing to young travellers and budget-conscious flyers.
Its simple pricing structure allows passengers to choose extras like baggage or meals, while keeping base fares affordable. With a modern fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, flights are comfortable enough for short to mid-haul journeys.
HK Express is particularly popular among leisure travellers, providing a more affordable option for exploring Asia from its Hong Kong hub.
14. flydubai
flydubai is a Dubai-based low-cost airline that complements the Emirates network while offering affordable fares. Operating primarily with Boeing 737 aircraft, it connects travellers to destinations across the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
The airline stands out for its flexibility, with economy passengers able to purchase extras, while business class travellers enjoy a more premium experience.
Its modern fleet, reliable operations, and competitive fares make it a practical choice for both leisure and business travellers.
15. Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air is a US low-cost carrier that focuses on connecting smaller American cities with popular leisure destinations, especially in Florida and Las Vegas. Its model is a little different from other budget airlines, with flights often operating less frequently but offering very low base fares.
Passengers can then add extras such as seat selection, carry-on bags, and priority boarding. Allegiant has carved out a loyal customer base among holidaymakers looking for cheap direct routes to holiday hotspots.
The service is simple but practical, making it a convenient choice for travellers seeking affordable domestic US flights.
16. airBaltic
airBaltic, based in Latvia, operates as a hybrid between a low-cost and full-service airline, giving it a unique spot in the European market. While fares are kept competitive, passengers often note the airline feels a little more premium than typical budget carriers.
Its modern fleet of Airbus A220 aircraft is one of the youngest in Europe, offering better comfort, fuel efficiency, and quieter cabins. airBaltic links the Baltic region to key European cities, with growing long-haul connections.
17. JetSMART Airlines
JetSMART, a Chilean low-cost airline, has quickly built a reputation across South America for its affordable fares and straightforward service. The airline operates an ultra-low-cost model, where the base fare covers just the essentials, and passengers add extras depending on their needs.
Its bright livery, featuring animals on the aircraft tails, has become a signature touch. Serving domestic routes in Chile alongside growing international services, JetSMART makes flying accessible to more people in the region.
Although the service is basic, the airline’s low pricing and expanding network are appealing to leisure travellers seeking no-frills travel options.
18. SKY Airline
SKY Airline, also based in Chile, is one of the most established low-cost carriers in South America. Originally a traditional airline, it transitioned into the budget model and now focuses on affordable regional travel. Its network covers domestic Chilean routes and extends to nearby countries like Peru, Argentina, and Brazil.
SKY has invested in a modern Airbus fleet, offering better efficiency and passenger comfort. The airline’s strength lies in providing simple, reliable, and low-cost connections, particularly for business and leisure travellers who need regular regional flights.
19. FlyArystan
FlyArystan is Kazakhstan’s first true low-cost carrier and has rapidly grown since its launch in 2019. As a subsidiary of Air Astana, it benefits from strong operational backing, while offering fares much lower than traditional carriers.
The airline operates a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft across domestic routes and to regional destinations in Central Asia.
FlyArystan has made air travel more accessible in a region where flying was once considered expensive for many. With its vibrant branding, affordable pricing, and expanding network, it appeals especially to younger and budget-conscious travellers looking for simple but dependable air service.
20. Jetstar Airways
Jetstar Airways, part of the Qantas Group, is one of the leading low-cost carriers in the Asia-Pacific region. Based in Australia, it operates both domestic routes and international flights to destinations across Asia, New Zealand, and the Pacific.
Jetstar keeps costs down with its no-frills model, while allowing passengers to pay for extras like meals and baggage. Despite its budget positioning, it benefits from the Qantas connection, which often adds reassurance about safety and reliability.
For travellers in the region, Jetstar provides a convenient and affordable way to reach holiday spots and key city destinations.
Bottom line
The best low-cost airlines of 2025 prove that budget flying no longer means sacrificing choice, quality, or efficiency. Whether it’s modern fleets, quirky branding, or unbeatable fares, these carriers have become an essential part of global aviation.
As demand for affordable travel keeps rising, it’s clear these airlines will continue to play a leading role in connecting more people, more often, to more places.
FAQs
This category has been ranked by Skytrax, the world’s most prominent aviation rating program.
Asian airlines feature most times in this list, including exclusively the top three.
Airlines were ranked on the basis of on-time performance, pricing, brand image and fleet.
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