Wizz Air Named Europe’s Cheapest Airline with Spanish Carriers among the Priciest

Wizz Air has once again been crowned Europe's cheapest airline for the third year in a row, according to a new analysis of passenger revenue per available seat kilometre. The Hungarian low-cost carrier generated 4.33 cents for each seat kilometre in 2025, surpassing its main competitors. EasyJet and Ryanair followed in second and third place, with revenue of 5.21 and 5.56 cents per seat kilometre respectively.

Ryanair experienced the most significant decline, dropping from 8.43 cents to 5.56 cents over the year. This reduction could translate to an average savings of around €33 per passenger on a typical European flight. Wizz Air maintained its top spot despite a slight increase from 4.17 cents in the previous year. Spanish airlines, however, fared less favorably.

Iberia was ranked the eighth most expensive, with revenue of 7.08 cents per seat kilometre, while Vueling rounded out the top ten at 7.49 cents. It's important to note that the figures don't directly compare advertised ticket prices, as they include additional charges such as baggage, priority boarding, and seat reservations. Airlines operating longer routes, like Iberia's extensive network to Latin America, may appear more expensive due to the division of revenue across a larger number of kilometres.

Widerøe, a Norwegian regional airline, emerged as the most expensive at 32 cents per seat kilometre, primarily due to its smaller aircraft, remote destinations, and limited competition. Major international airlines such as British Airways, Air France, KLM, and SAS also had high figures, with British Airways ranking the most expensive at 8.88 cents.

While the ranking provides a general indication of airline costs, travelers should still compare final fares carefully, as additional charges can significantly increase the advertised price.