Show summary Hide summary
Summary:
- Which premium airline ended up last in Europe’s reliability ranking.
- How repeated delays and cancellations led to its fall.
- Why a few low-cost carriers fared better.
- The key checks every traveler should make before booking.
Choosing an airline usually starts with instinct, past experiences, reputation, and that familiar idea that a premium carrier means fewer headaches. Until this year. The latest Flightright ranking has shaken that assumption, and a long-trusted European airline, known for comfort and polished branding, suddenly finds itself at the bottom. No dramatic collapse, simply the steady accumulation of delays and unclear updates, which slowly eroded passengers’ confidence. What surprised many travelers is how quickly these issues became “normal”, as if the entire system had lost its balance.
This doesn’t mean the aviation sector is turning upside down, but it shows how quickly reliability can fade when several internal issues overlap. And for travelers who want predictable routes, this shift matters. In this article, we break down what happened, compare the results with budget airlines, and highlight the essential checks that help ensure a smoother trip. Let’s dive in.
China cancels 500,000 Japan flights: what travelers should know
A320 safety update 2025: what travelers should really know
When a premium airline starts missing the mark
The airline in question sits around 2.4/5, a score usually associated with a struggling low-cost carrier. What pushed it down wasn’t a single failure but a sequence of disruptions that gradually became routine. Some passengers explained that they stopped being surprised by last-minute schedule changes, which says a lot about how far expectations fell. They described mornings starting with a check of the airline’s app, half expecting another delay, even before leaving for the airport.
Travelers also mentioned that information screens often changed faster than staff could brief passengers. And when updates finally arrived, they were sometimes incomplete, leaving people unsure whether to stay near the gate or look for alternatives. This uncertainty, more than the delays themselves, created a sense of inconsistency that stuck with passengers long after their journeys.
Four recurring issues stood out:
- Delays stacking up, on both short and long-haul flights.
- Cancellation spikes during staffing tensions or transition periods.
- Patchy communication, sometimes contradicting previous announcements.
- Operational fragility, which limited the airline’s ability to recover quickly.
These problems happen everywhere, but not usually with such frequency. This year, they created a rhythm many travelers found exhausting.
Traveler’s note
Several passengers described last-minute gate changes, boarding calls made then immediately cancelled, and even announcements that contradicted messages sent by the airline’s app. These moments chipped away at the sense of reliability normally expected from a premium carrier.
What this means for you
A glossy brand won’t guarantee a stress-free journey. Recent data is the real compass, especially if you’re traveling during busy periods with tight connections.
Low-cost carriers, the unexpected steady players
Here’s the twist: two major low-cost airlines scored slightly better with ratings around 2.5 to 2.6/5. Their service isn’t luxurious, but their operations were surprisingly steady. Travelers reported fewer sudden cancellations and more consistent updates. With dense short-haul networks, these carriers depend heavily on punctual rotations, which may explain why they remained more stable.
Another point raised by passengers is that low-cost airlines often communicate delays more straightforwardly. The message may not be pleasant, but at least it’s clear. Knowing what’s happening matters more than polished phrasing, and this transparency played in their favour.
| Airline type | Average score | Common complaints | Notable strengths |
| Premium carrier (lowest-ranked) | ~2.4/5 | Delays, cancellations, unclear info | Good onboard comfort when everything goes smoothly |
| Low-cost airline A | ~2.5/5 | Customer service | Better punctuality |
| Low-cost airline B | ~2.6/5 | Extra fees | Strong reliability on short-haul |
This doesn’t mean low-cost carriers have suddenly become ideal. But for 2025, predictability was on their side.
Local tip
Check performance from the last quarter. Rankings shift rapidly, and yesterday’s reliable carrier isn’t always today’s safest choice for those who need a tight schedule.
Behind the scenes: why reliability dropped
The airline’s fall isn’t about inflight comfort or catering. The real issues lie in the unseen parts of the operation, where small disruptions ripple through the system.
1. Staff pressure and strike periods
Internal tensions led to several days of reduced operations. Even when strikes weren’t officially declared, understaffed teams struggled to absorb irregularities. Flights that would normally recover from minor delays ended up accumulating more, sometimes affecting multiple rotations. For travelers, this meant longer queues and limited assistance, especially during peak hours.
2. Network adjustments and transition issues
Reshaping a route network is complex. As aircraft assignments changed, some connections became tighter than intended. This created small timing mismatches that, repeated over weeks, affected the airline’s overall reliability. Passengers noticed an increase in equipment swaps at the last minute, which often required cleaning and preparation time, contributing to delays.
3. Sensitivity to external disruptions
Weather and congestion affected many airlines this year, but this carrier struggled more to absorb the impact. When one aircraft fell behind schedule, several routes felt the consequences. Travelers with connecting flights were particularly vulnerable, as the airline couldn’t always offer immediate alternatives.
Budget insight
Compare reliability by season. Some airlines handle summer stress well and struggle in winter, while others show the opposite pattern.
How to choose an airline that won’t test your patience
A few checks can turn a risky booking into a confident one.
1. Recent reviews outweigh old reputations
Look at the last three months. They reflect the airline’s real mood, and reveal how well it manages current operational challenges.
2. Delay and cancellation rates tell the truth
Numbers don’t lie. Monthly charts will help you spot trends: repeated late departures, specific routes that struggle, or periods to avoid.
3. Customer support reactivity matters more than free extras
When things go wrong, quick solutions matter more than extra snacks. Look for:
- clear rebooking steps,
- reasonable refund delays,
- self-service tools that help avoid airport queues.
4. Transparency during disruptions
The planes travelers trust most in 2025: how to know which one you are boarding
Flying soon? Here’s the 2025 no go list airlines are quietly updating
Some airlines send alerts early, propose alternatives through their apps, or show live delay causes. Others still offer vague updates. Trust the ones who speak clearly.
Checklist before booking
- Compare punctuality for your route and month.
- Read several recent reviews.
- Check if the app offers real-time changes.
- Look up ongoing strikes or network tensions.
This year’s ranking is a reminder that reliability can shift quickly. Even respected airlines may falter when several issues collide. The good news is simple, a quick look at recent performance avoids hours of unnecessary stress. With a bit of preparation, your next trip can feel more predictable and far more enjoyable.
