Revealed: The 10 Cheapest Airlines in Europe for 2026

If you’re planning to travel around Europe soon, the airline you select could make an enormous difference to your budget. With prices creeping up in all places, finding a carrier that also keeps things genuinely low cost looks like striking gold.

To help travellers get essentially the most out of their money, AirAdvisor examined Europe’s major airlines using the industry’s classic measure, the RASK – Revenue per Available Seat Kilometre. It sounds technical, but the thought is straightforward: the lower the RASK, the cheaper the airline normally is for passengers.

And the highest 10 list comes with a couple of surprises…

1. Wizz Air – Europe’s undisputed budget champion

Wizz Air doesn’t just win the ‘least expensive airline’ title – it laps everyone else.
With a RASK of €0.0417, no one even comes close. It’s the go-to airline for individuals who prioritise price over comfort, extras or elbow room.
Ultra-low fares, infinite add-ons… but undeniably unbeatable for those who just want the bottom possible ticket.

2. TAP Air Portugal – A giant leap up the rating

TAP takes second place with a RASK of €0.0713, climbing several places compared with previous years.
Interestingly, TAP didn’t necessarily get cheaper – other airlines just got costlier.
Its “Best Offers” and “Promotions” pages are genuinely useful for snagging spontaneous deals.

3. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) – Surprisingly inexpensive

You wouldn’t expect one in every of Europe’s priciest regions to provide an affordable airline… yet SAS lands at number three with a RASK of €0.075.
Their low-fare calendar is one in every of the best tools to make use of, especially for those who’re flexible and don’t mind flying into any Scandinavian city.

4. Norwegian Air Shuttle – Small network, strong prices

Norwegian takes fourth with a RASK of €0.076.
It’s smaller and sometimes less convenient than SAS, but its monthly “least expensive fares” feature is ideal for those who can adapt your dates.
Business travellers also can cut costs with its corporate discounts.

5. Finnair – Not the most cost effective, still value a glance

Finnair closes the highest five at €0.0797.
It isn’t aiming to be ultra-budget, but its “Special Offers” page often hides very decent deals, especially inside Finland and Scandinavia.
The only downside: it was rated the least reliable airline of the 15 included within the study.

6. KLM – A surprising comeback

In sixth place, KLM posts a RASK of €0.0819, although it wasn’t on last 12 months’s low cost list in any respect.
Amsterdam’s Schiphol hub makes it convenient for connecting flights – and it’s nice to know those connections don’t at all times come at a premium.

7. Iberia – top quality, higher prices

Spain’s flag carrier drops sharply in affordability, landing at number seven with a RASK of €0.0824.
It was once one in every of Europe’s least expensive airlines, but prices have climbed noticeably.
However, Iberia scores well for overall reliability, lounges, family travel and luxury – areas where ultra-budget airlines often fall short.

7. Vueling – Low-cost branding, not at all times low-cost pricing

Sharing seventh place with Iberia, Vueling has the identical RASK of €0.0824.
Despite its popularity as a budget airline, many European carriers now beat it on price.
Its price-calendar tool stays a robust advantage for locating low-season bargains.

9. Aegean Airlines – Five-star service, not five-star prices

Aegean sits at number nine, with a RASK of €0.084.
It’s widely praised for service, comfort and family travel – nevertheless it simply isn’t the most cost effective option.
You can still find good deals, though you’ll need a destination in mind because the website doesn’t offer global fare browsing.

10. Ryanair – Cheap on paper, costly when you add extras

Ryanair, the king of low cost flights… finally ends up at the underside of the affordability rating, tied with Air France.
Its RASK sits at €0.0843, pushed up by baggage fees, seat selection, food, drinks and constant in-flight upselling.
Still, for those who travel light and ignore the extras, the bottom fares remain a few of Europe’s lowest.

10. Air France – Surprisingly equal to Ryanair

Yes, you read that right: Air France and Ryanair now share the identical RASK.
Air France isn’t known for low-cost travel, and its website isn’t particularly deal-friendly – you will need to already know your dates and destination.
Even so, it occasionally offers competitive fares, especially on short-haul routes.

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