Worst Airlines in Europe: 2025 Service Quality Ranking

In 2025, the service Flightright unveiled its ranking of European airlines, naming Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, Lufthansa, and others as the worst. The main reasons were flight delays, frequent cancellations, and difficulties with refunds. For travelers, this ranking of European airlines is important because it shows which carriers with poor service most often cause issues.

Methodology of the Ranking

The methodology for ranking European airlines in 2025 was built on an analysis of factors that directly reflect the quality of service provided to passengers. The study considered flight delays, cancellation rates, the speed and transparency of refunds, service quality, and the effectiveness of compensations. These criteria help in understanding how well carriers meet their obligations and how they respond to schedule disruptions.

The data sources included passenger complaints, independent ratings, official statistics, and survey results. This approach made it possible to identify European airlines with poor service that most frequently create problems during flights. For travelers, this is particularly important, since even an attractive price cannot compensate for the risk of a canceled flight or long waits for compensation. Therefore, when planning a trip, it is worth considering not only the cost but also the reliability of the carrier, especially when intending to buy economy class tickets.

Top 10 Worst European Airlines of 2025

According to Flightright, the ranking of the worst European airlines is based on punctuality, quality of service, and handling of compensations. The list includes both low-cost carriers and major national airlines.

• Finnair, usually considered reliable, surprisingly ended up at the bottom of the ranking. The main reason was low punctuality and poor handling of compensations, which came as a surprise to many travelers.
• Vueling received low marks for issues with refunds and compensations. Passengers complain about long processing times and complicated refund procedures.
• Ryanair made the list of worst due to regular flight delays and a high frequency of cancellations. Despite the low prices, passengers frequently face schedule disruptions.
• easyJet is criticized for its low level of customer satisfaction. Despite its popularity among budget travelers, the service and passenger support leave much to be desired.

• KLM was included in the list due to issues with compensations and slow response to complaints.
• British Airways received low ratings for frequent flight cancellations and prolonged refund procedures, which create significant difficulties for passengers.
• Wizz Air earned low marks for frequent cancellations and inconvenient refund conditions.
• Condor, despite its reputation as a well-known carrier, is criticized for refund difficulties and prolonged compensation procedures.
• Swiss International Air Lines AG made the list due to regular delays and unstable scheduling, especially noticeable on popular routes.
• Turkish Airlines rounds out the top ten worst due to service issues and a lack of transparency in compensations.

For travelers, this ranking shows which European airlines with poor service most often create problems. When planning a trip, it is important to consider not only the ticket price but also the likelihood of delays or cancellations. This is especially true for those who are going to buy airplane tickets, since even a high price does not guarantee reliability and comfort.

Analysis of Key Issues

In European aviation, the main problems remain flight delays and refunds. According to statistics, about one-quarter of low-cost carrier flights deviate from the schedule, and delays of more than three hours are regularly recorded for carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air. Under Regulation 261/2004, a passenger is entitled to compensation: €250 for delays of more than three hours on flights up to 1,500 km, €400 on routes from 1,500 to 3,500 km, and €600 on long-haul flights over 3,500 km. If the delay exceeds five hours, the passenger may refuse the flight and receive a full refund of the ticket price. In practice, however, many airlines try to minimize expenses by delaying payouts or offering vouchers instead of cash.

Refunds and compensations also remain a contentious issue. Although the EU regulation requires money to be returned within seven days, many low-cost carriers do not meet this deadline. Ryanair refunds money only in cases of flight cancellation or delays longer than five hours, and in other cases, it offers vouchers. Vueling is known for prolonged refund procedures: passengers may wait weeks for payment, and sometimes they receive only credits for future flights. Wizz Air often compensates not with cash, but with bonuses for new tickets, which is inconvenient for travelers. EasyJet formally complies with the requirements, but the refund process is bureaucratic, and clients complain about long waiting times.

Thus, despite clear EU rules, many European airlines with poor service continue to cause problems for passengers. When planning a trip and choosing business class tickets, it is important to consider not only the price but also the real likelihood of receiving compensation in the event of a delay or cancellation.

Best Airlines

While many carriers regularly appear in the worst rankings, companies such as Discover Airlines, Eurowings, and Iberia demonstrate an opposite approach and rightfully rank among the leaders.

Discover Airlines focuses on schedule reliability and high service quality. Passengers note the punctuality of flights, a modern fleet, and attention to detail, including convenient connections and quality onboard service.

Eurowings is valued for its flexible fares and convenient routes within Europe. The airline is actively developing digital services: mobile apps, fast online check-in, and the ability to change tickets without unnecessary bureaucracy. This makes it attractive to business travelers and tourists who appreciate predictability and simplicity.

Iberia remains one of the leaders on long-haul routes. The company stands out for its quality service, transparent compensation policy, and attention to passenger comfort. Unlike many competitors, Iberia responds promptly to complaints and strives to resolve issues in favor of the customer, which reinforces its reputation.

This contrast shows that even in a competitive market, it is possible to maintain customer trust by offering not only affordable prices but also genuine care for passengers. When choosing among the world’s best airlines, it is important to consider not only the ticket price, but also schedule stability, quality of service, and the company’s commitment to its obligations. And for those seeking the optimal balance of price and quality, relying on Europe’s best low-cost carriers guarantees a calm and predictable flight.

Advice for Passengers

To minimize risks and protect yourself while traveling, it is important to plan a few steps in advance. First, consider purchasing insurance that covers flight delays, cancellations, and lost baggage. Many travel insurance policies include compensation for expenses related to meals and accommodations if a flight is delayed by several hours. This is especially relevant for frequent flyers who want to avoid extra costs in case of an emergency.

Second, a key factor is the choice of airline. Reliable carriers that rank among the best are more likely to adhere to schedules and respond quickly to complaints. When planning a trip – especially when organizing business trips – it is useful to review statistics on delays and passenger reviews to understand how committed the company is to meeting its obligations. For business trips, this is critical: lost time can lead to missed meetings and contracts.

Third, know your rights and the steps to take in case of flight delays or cancellations. Under Regulation 261/2004, a passenger is entitled to compensation if a delay exceeds three hours, or in the event of a cancellation or denied boarding. It is important to keep boarding passes, receipts, and official notifications from the airline – these will serve as evidence when filing a complaint. If the delay is more than five hours, you may refuse the flight and receive a full refund. Many passengers are unaware of their rights, and airlines take advantage of this, so it is advisable to study the rules in advance and be prepared to defend your interests.

Finally, a well-planned airfare search helps to avoid unnecessary problems and choose the optimal travel option. Comparing prices, checking refund conditions, and carefully reviewing the carrier’s policies can not only save money but also reduce the likelihood of unpleasant surprises. The more information a passenger has before purchasing, the higher the chance of a peaceful, stress-free trip.