Europe has one of the most developed and competitive aviation industries in the world, connecting nearly every country on the continent and serving as a major hub for global travel. With hundreds of airlines operating across different regions, the list of airlines in Europe includes well-established flag carriers, fast-growing low-cost operators, regional airlines serving smaller cities, and cargo airlines that support the continent’s trade and logistics. Together, these airlines contribute to Europe’s reputation as one of the busiest aviation markets globally, both for passengers and freight.
Major International Airlines in Europe
Europe is home to some of the largest and most prestigious international airlines in the world. These airlines operate long-haul flights connecting Europe with Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.
- Lufthansa (Germany) – One of Europe’s largest airlines and a founding member of Star Alliance, Lufthansa operates a global network from Frankfurt and Munich.
- Air France (France) – A leading carrier in Europe, part of the SkyTeam alliance, with long-haul routes to every continent.
- British Airways (United Kingdom) – The UK’s flag carrier, based at London Heathrow, offering extensive transatlantic services and flights worldwide.
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Netherlands) – The world’s oldest airline still in operation, with an extensive international network.
- Swiss International Air Lines (Switzerland) – Operates premium international routes with a hub at Zurich.
- Turkish Airlines (Turkey) – Connects more countries than any other airline, making Istanbul a central transit hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Low-Cost Airlines in Europe
Low-cost airlines are a vital part of the European aviation market, offering affordable travel to millions of passengers every year.
- Ryanair (Ireland) – Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, flying to over 200 destinations.
- EasyJet (United Kingdom) – A major budget airline with extensive coverage in Western and Southern Europe.
- Wizz Air (Hungary) – A leading low-cost airline in Eastern and Central Europe, expanding into long-haul services.
- Vueling (Spain) – A popular Spanish low-cost carrier with hubs in Barcelona and Madrid.
- Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norway) – Known for affordable transatlantic and European services, though now focused more on regional flights.
Regional and Domestic Airlines in Europe
Alongside international and low-cost carriers, Europe has several regional airlines that connect smaller airports and less-served destinations:
- Air Dolomiti (Italy) – A regional airline affiliated with Lufthansa.
- Loganair (Scotland) – Provides regional services within the UK and Ireland.
- TAP Express (Portugal) – Operates domestic and regional flights as part of TAP Air Portugal.
- Austrian Airlines (Austria) – The flag carrier offering both domestic and international connectivity across Europe.
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) – A regional powerhouse covering Scandinavia and beyond.
Cargo Airlines in Europe
Europe’s trade-driven economy relies heavily on air cargo carriers.
- Cargolux (Luxembourg) – Europe’s largest all-cargo airline with global operations.
- Lufthansa Cargo (Germany) – A major cargo operator serving intercontinental routes.
- AirBridgeCargo Airlines (Russia) – Operates cargo routes across Europe and Asia.
- Turkish Cargo (Turkey) – A growing global cargo carrier.
List of Airlines in Europe and their Airports including International, Domestic/Regional, and Cargo airlines:
| Airline Name | Main Hub / Airport |
|---|---|
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt Airport (Germany) |
| Air France | Charles de Gaulle Airport (France) |
| British Airways | London Heathrow Airport (UK) |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (Netherlands) |
| Swiss International Air Lines | Zurich Airport (Switzerland) |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul Airport (Turkey) |
| Ryanair | Dublin Airport (Ireland) |
| EasyJet | London Gatwick Airport (UK) |
| Wizz Air | Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (Hungary) |
| Vueling Airlines | Barcelona El Prat Airport (Spain) |
| Norwegian Air Shuttle | Oslo Gardermoen Airport (Norway) |
| SAS Scandinavian Airlines | Copenhagen Airport (Denmark) |
| Austrian Airlines | Vienna International Airport (Austria) |
| TAP Express | Lisbon Airport (Portugal) |
| Loganair | Glasgow Airport (Scotland, UK) |
| Air Dolomiti | Verona Villafranca Airport (Italy) |
| Cargolux | Luxembourg Airport (Luxembourg) |
| Lufthansa Cargo | Frankfurt Airport (Germany) |
| Turkish Cargo | Istanbul Airport (Turkey) |
| AirBridgeCargo Airlines | Sheremetyevo International Airport (Moscow, Russia) |
Top 10 Airlines in Europe
Europe is home to some of the world’s most competitive and reliable airlines. Below are the top 10 airlines that dominate European skies based on passenger numbers, international routes, and overall reputation:
1. Lufthansa (Germany) – The largest airline in Europe, with a strong global presence and membership in the Star Alliance.
2. Air France (France) – Known for premium services and extensive global connections.
3. British Airways (United Kingdom) – A leading international carrier with strong transatlantic routes.
4. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Netherlands) – The oldest airline still operating under its original name, with a vast European and intercontinental network.
5. Swiss International Air Lines (Switzerland) – Famous for luxury service and punctuality.
6. Turkish Airlines (Turkey) – Recognized for serving more destinations worldwide than any other airline.
7. Ryanair (Ireland) – Europe’s biggest low-cost carrier with the widest destination coverage.
8. EasyJet (United Kingdom) – A leading budget airline with strong bases in multiple European cities.
9. Wizz Air (Hungary) – A rapidly growing ultra-low-cost airline connecting Central and Eastern Europe to the rest of the continent.
10. SAS Scandinavian Airlines (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) – A major carrier in Northern Europe with both domestic and international reach
Top Airlines by Country in Europe
| Airline | Country / Base | Main Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa | Germany | Frankfurt Airport (FRA) |
| Air France | France | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) |
| British Airways | United Kingdom | London Heathrow (LHR) |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | Netherlands | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) |
| Swiss International Air Lines | Switzerland | Zurich Airport (ZRH) |
| Turkish Airlines | Turkey | Istanbul Airport (IST) |
| Ryanair | Ireland | Dublin Airport (DUB) |
| EasyJet | United Kingdom | London Gatwick (LGW) |
| Wizz Air | Hungary | Budapest Ferenc Liszt (BUD) |
| SAS Scandinavian Airlines | Denmark / Norway / Sweden | Copenhagen Airport (CPH) |
Importance of European Airlines in Global Aviation
The list of airlines in Europe shows the diversity and competitiveness of the continent’s aviation sector. European airlines not only serve the needs of local and regional passengers but also act as global leaders in long-haul travel. The presence of global airline alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld further strengthens Europe’s role in connecting continents. Additionally, low-cost carriers have made air travel more accessible to millions of people, fueling tourism, business, and cultural exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of frequently Asked Questions On list of airlines in Europe:
1. What is the largest airline in Europe?
Lufthansa Group is considered the largest airline in Europe in terms of fleet size, passengers carried, and international destinations.
2. Which is the best low-cost airline in Europe?
Ryanair and EasyJet are among the most popular and widely used low-cost airlines across Europe.
3. What is the busiest airport hub in Europe?
London Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest hubs, closely followed by Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt Airport.
4. Do European airlines operate globally?
Yes, major carriers such as Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, and KLM operate long-haul flights connecting Europe to Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East.
5. Which airline is best for budget travelers in Europe?
Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, and Vueling Airlines are top choices for affordable flights within Europe.
6. Do European airlines offer domestic services?
Yes, airlines like Loganair (UK), Air Dolomiti (Italy), and TAP Express (Portugal) provide domestic and regional connections.
7. What are some major cargo airlines in Europe?
Cargolux (Luxembourg), Lufthansa Cargo (Germany), and Turkish Cargo (Turkey) are key cargo carriers in Europe.
8. Which airline has the most destinations in Europe?
Ryanair leads in the number of European destinations served, followed closely by EasyJet.
9. Do European airlines belong to global alliances?
Yes, many are members of alliances such as Star Alliance (Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Swiss), Oneworld (British Airways, Iberia), and SkyTeam (Air France, KLM).
10. What is the oldest airline in Europe?
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, founded in 1919, is the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name.
11. Which European airline is known for luxury service?
Swiss International Air Lines, Lufthansa, and British Airways are often praised for premium travel experiences.
12. Are there seasonal airlines in Europe?
Yes, airlines like SunExpress, TUI Airways, and charter carriers mainly serve seasonal tourism routes.
13. Why is Europe an important hub for aviation?
Europe is strategically located between Asia, Africa, and the Americas, making it a global aviation center with extensive international and regional connectivity.
SEE ALSO: List of International Airports in Europe (Complete Guide by Country)
Conclusion
Europe remains a global aviation hub, with world-class airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, KLM, and Turkish Airlines leading the way in international travel. Supported by powerful low-cost operators like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air, and complemented by regional and cargo airlines, the aviation sector in Europe continues to thrive. The list of airlines in Europe highlights the importance of connectivity, trade, and tourism in shaping one of the world’s busiest and most essential aviation markets.