The United Kingdom has always been a popular hub for travel. It is one of the busiest aircraft hubs in the world, with an average of 5,290 daily flights departing the UK in 2023. The most active airlines in the country are British Airways (BA) (862 daily flights), Ryanair (888 daily movements) and EasyJet (877 daily movements) according to data from RadarBox. These numbers change daily, but the figures provided are accurate as of the 30th of October 2024. Ryanair is well known for being a low-cost, budget-friendly airline, but it has suffered significant problems in the past. Conversely, BA is the UK’s flagship airline and is aimed more at higher-end travel, but it too has experienced issues over the years. Each has suffered the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, so why are they both so popular?

Ryanair

Ryanair started with financial problems, but it has managed to build a reputation for being one of the leaders in providing low-cost travel across the globe. Its appeal has grown since the end of the pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis, as people look towards cheaper options when travelling. It is also surprisingly reliable and has a strong safety policy and record. Ryanair has not had a single significant accident or incident on its flights. The only incidents it has experienced involved hitting birds while landing and a ground vehicle hitting one of its flights earlier this year.

Ryanair primarily uses Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which is the best-selling aircraft from the next-generation 737 family. According to RadarBox, the airline uses the aircraft on an average of 2198 daily flights from the UK. The 737-800 is a reliable, fuel-efficient, comfortable and versatile aircraft with a larger-than-average cargo hold, making it the most suitable option for low-budget flyers.

This doesn’t mean Ryanair is the perfect airline. It has suffered several issues over the years, with the main one being its infamous significant delays. It has also experienced scandals surrounding seat-belt regulations and aircraft deliveries.

Despite its problems, customers choose Ryanair mainly due to how cheap its flights are. The airline offers on-board services as a separate charge to the ticket itself. This significantly reduces the price of tickets and makes them more competitive, as most other airlines offer services within the ticket price. All of these benefits make Ryanair the prime choice for low-budget flyers who want to relax while spending less.

British Airways (BA)

British Airways is the UK’s flagship airline and has been flying from the country for 50 years as of 2024. BA also has a record for being the most punctual long-haul airline from London. It has a strong loyalty program called Avios, in which customers can use points earned from flight bookings to upgrade their seats, book hotels and even rent cars. BA has always been famous for providing world-class in-flight culinary and dining experiences. According to the British Airways website, it served 45 million customers in 2019, providing 25 million cups of tea, 9.9 million bottles of wine and 1.25 million bottles of champagne.

British Airways primarily uses the world-renowned Airbus A320 aircraft for its flights, with 268 daily average flights from the UK according to RadarBox. This aircraft is spacious, versatile, fuel-efficient, quiet and modern, and it is the first choice for many major airlines across the globe. The Airbus A320 is regarded as one of the most successful aircraft of all time.

Despite all the praise it receives, BA has had its fair share of issues. It was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent airport strikes. The airline has also suffered several significant delays, some due to the many IT issues it has faced. Its most recent scandal involves cost-cutting allegations. Customers have complained about BA’s decision to remove appetizers and their choice of desserts from its menus. They have also complained about the smaller food portions offered during long-haul flights.

Regardless of these issues, British Airways remains a staple of the modern aviation industry. It is still one of the safest and most reliable airlines in the UK. It also remains the most punctual airline in the country and still provides delicious food for its passengers meaning that British Airways remains one of the first choices for flyers who want to travel in style and luxury while enjoying a great meal.

What are your thoughts on the most popular airlines in the UK? And which would you rather fly with?