Over the past decade, Europe's aviation industry has witnessed significant transformations driven by both growth and challenges. The rise of budget carriers, increased competition, and environmental regulations have shaped the market, while the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery efforts have left a lasting impact.

Despite these challenges, European airlines continue to lead in global travel, connecting continents and facilitating international business and tourism. Looking ahead, the aviation industry is poised for continued expansion, with sustainability and technological advancements at the forefront of its evolution.

Learn more: Top 10 Largest AirLines in the UK: A Comprehensive Overview

In this article, we present the top 15 largest airlines in Europe, ranked by passenger numbers, fleet size, number of flights, and revenue. Each airline is introduced with a brief overview and essential statistics.

How Many Airlines Operate in Europe?

As of 2024, there are more than 200 airlines operating in Europe, including both major and regional carriers. These airlines range from large, internationally recognized brands to smaller, country-specific airlines that primarily serve domestic or regional routes. The diversity of airlines reflects the highly competitive nature of the European aviation market, with many offering budget-friendly options for travelers alongside more premium services.

While Europe has seen some consolidation in the airline industry over the past decade, with mergers and acquisitions becoming more common, the continent still boasts a wide variety of airlines catering to different market segments. Among the airlines, low-cost carriers have significantly reshaped the landscape, providing affordable flights and increasing competition.

Top 15 Largest Airlines in Europe

1. Lufthansa Group

Lufthansa Group announces that ITA Airways will become a sister airline as the EU approves its purchase of a 41% stake
Lufthansa Group announces that ITA Airways will become a sister airline as the EU approves its purchase of a 41% stake
  • Website: www.lufthansa.com
  • Founded: 1953
  • Country: Germany
  • Number of Passengers: 110 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 700+
  • Number of Flights: 1.1 million annually
  • Revenue: €30 billion
  • Overview: Lufthansa is Europe’s largest airline group, operating a diverse range of services including premium and low-cost offerings through subsidiaries such as SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Eurowings.

2. Ryanair

Top 15 Largest Airlines in Europe: A Comprehensive Ranking
Ryanair is Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers
  • Website: www.ryanair.com
  • Founded: 1984
  • Country: Ireland
  • Number of Passengers: 160 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 500+
  • Number of Flights: 750,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €12 billion
  • Overview: Ryanair dominates the low-cost carrier market in Europe with extensive routes across over 40 countries, known for its budget-friendly pricing model.
Ryanair is Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers and is known for its low-cost business model. Operating primarily within Europe, the airline has an extensive network of destinations and has been a major player in the budget airline revolution.

3. International Airlines Group (IAG)

  • Website: www.iairgroup.com
  • Founded: 2011
  • Country: United Kingdom/Spain
  • Number of Passengers: 95 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 570+
  • Number of Flights: 500,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €27 billion
  • Overview: IAG, the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus, is a significant player in transatlantic routes and long-haul flights.
Top 10 Largest Airlines in Canada: A Comprehensive Overview Top 10 Largest Airlines in Canada: A Comprehensive Overview

4. Air France-KLM Group

  • Website: www.airfranceklm.com
  • Founded: 2004 (Merger of Air France and KLM)
  • Country: France/Netherlands
  • Number of Passengers: 100 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 550+
  • Number of Flights: 900,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €25 billion
  • Overview: This airline group benefits from extensive global networks and is renowned for both short-haul European services and international long-haul routes.

5. EasyJet

  • Website: www.easyjet.com
  • Founded: 1995
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Number of Passengers: 85 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 330+
  • Number of Flights: 700,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €8 billion
  • Overview: Known for its efficiency and affordable European travel, EasyJet is one of the region’s top low-cost carriers with a vast network of point-to-point destinations.

6. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines
  • Website: www.turkishairlines.com
  • Founded: 1933
  • Country: Turkey
  • Number of Passengers: 80 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 400+
  • Number of Flights: 600,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €16 billion
  • Overview: With one of the most comprehensive international networks, Turkish Airlines connects Europe to Asia, Africa, and beyond.

7. Wizz Air

  • Website: www.wizzair.com
  • Founded: 2003
  • Country: Hungary
  • Number of Passengers: 65 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 160+
  • Number of Flights: 350,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €6 billion
  • Overview: Known for its ultra-low-cost model, Wizz Air has rapidly expanded its presence in Central and Eastern Europe, offering budget flights to a wide array of destinations.

8. SAS Scandinavian Airlines

  • Website: www.flysas.com
  • Founded: 1946
  • Country: Sweden/Norway/Denmark
  • Number of Passengers: 30 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 160+
  • Number of Flights: 280,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €4.5 billion
  • Overview: SAS operates across Scandinavia and Europe, with a focus on eco-friendly innovations in its fleet and services.

9. Norwegian Air Shuttle

  • Website: www.norwegian.com
  • Founded: 1993
  • Country: Norway
  • Number of Passengers: 40 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 140+
  • Number of Flights: 300,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €5 billion
  • Overview: Specializing in budget flights, Norwegian is particularly strong on transatlantic routes, offering long-haul services at competitive prices.

10. Aeroflot

  • Website: www.aeroflot.ru
  • Founded: 1923
  • Country: Russia
  • Number of Passengers: 55 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 260+
  • Number of Flights: 500,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €7 billion
  • Overview: As Russia's largest airline, Aeroflot operates across Europe and Asia, with a focus on international connectivity.
Top 10 Largest Airlines in the US by Passengers Top 10 Largest Airlines in the US by Passengers

11. Finnair

  • Website: www.finnair.com
  • Founded: 1923
  • Country: Finland
  • Number of Passengers: 15 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 80+
  • Number of Flights: 150,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €3 billion
  • Overview: Finnair is a leader in connecting Europe to Asia, known for its punctuality and sustainability efforts.

12. Alitalia/ITA Airways

  • Website: www.ita-airways.com
  • Founded: 2021 (Successor to Alitalia)
  • Country: Italy
  • Number of Passengers: 20 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 60+
  • Number of Flights: 150,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €2.5 billion
  • Overview: The new national carrier of Italy, ITA Airways continues the legacy of Alitalia with plans for international expansion.

13. Swiss International Air Lines

  • Website: www.swiss.com
  • Founded: 2002
  • Country: Switzerland
  • Number of Passengers: 19 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 100+
  • Number of Flights: 200,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €4 billion
  • Overview: A premium airline under the Lufthansa Group, SWISS connects Europe to North America and Asia, known for its high-quality service.

14. Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines
  • Website: www.austrian.com
  • Founded: 1957
  • Country: Austria
  • Number of Passengers: 14 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 80+
  • Number of Flights: 130,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €3 billion
  • Overview: Also part of the Lufthansa Group, Austrian Airlines focuses on Central and Eastern European routes and long-haul destinations.

15. TAP Air Portugal

  • Website: www.flytap.com
  • Founded: 1945
  • Country: Portugal
  • Number of Passengers: 13 million annually
  • Number of Aircraft: 80+
  • Number of Flights: 180,000+ annually
  • Revenue: €2.8 billion
  • Overview: TAP is a key player in connecting Europe with South America and Africa, known for its Lisbon hub.

In Conclusion

This article ranks the top 15 largest airlines in Europe based on key criteria: the number of passengers, fleet size, number of flights, and revenue.

Europe’s aviation market is diverse, with major players in both full-service and low-cost segments. The industry continues to evolve, with airlines focusing on expanding their reach and modernizing their fleets to meet environmental goals and changing passenger preferences. As sustainability becomes more critical, these airlines are set to adapt and thrive in the future of aviation.

FAQs

  1. What is the largest airline in Europe by passengers?

    • Ryanair is currently the largest airline in Europe by the number of passengers, carrying around 150 million annually.

  2. Which European airline has the largest fleet?

    • Lufthansa, including its subsidiaries, has the largest fleet, with over 750 aircraft.

  3. Are European airlines moving toward more sustainable practices?

    • Yes, many European airlines are adopting more sustainable practices, such as investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and exploring alternative fuels.

  4. Which European airline offers the most flights daily?

    • Ryanair offers approximately 2,000 daily flights, making it the airline with the most daily flights in Europe.

  5. What is the future of European aviation?

    • The future looks bright with a focus on sustainability, expansion of routes, and continued recovery post-pandemic.
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