Spanish airline Vueling named Europe’s best low-cost carrier for 2026

If you’re booking a Vueling flight from Spain, there is now a rather nice bit of bragging rights attached to it. The Spanish airline has just been named Europe’s best low-cost carrier, after millions of passengers around the world were asked to rate their experiences with airlines. Vueling picked up the award at the 2026 World Airline Awards in London on September 18, beating other major low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet that operate across Europe.

It also came third in the global low-cost airline rankings, behind AirAsia and Scoot. For those of us living or travelling to and from Spain, the result is particularly relevant as Vueling is one of the country’s major airlines, with its main base at Barcelona-El Prat and an extensive network connecting Spanish cities with destinations across Europe and North Africa.

Millions of passengers had their say

The award comes from Skytrax’s annual World Airline Awards, which are based on passenger feedback rather than airline submissions or industry judging. This year’s survey received 24.8 million valid responses from passengers representing more than 100 nationalities. More than 300 airlines were assessed, giving travellers the opportunity to rate different aspects of their flying experience.

Vueling president and CEO Carolina Martinoli collected the award at the ceremony in London. The airline’s European victory puts it ahead of several familiar names for Spanish travellers. The European low-cost category included carriers such as Iberia Express, Volotea, Eurowings and Transavia France. Vueling was also ranked 39th in the overall global top 100 airlines, across both full-service and low-cost carriers.

What does the award say about Vueling?

The Skytrax result is based on what passengers reported about their experiences, but Vueling has also pointed to improvements in its own operating figures. The airline operated more than 227,000 flights during 2025, carrying around 40 million passengers. During the busiest periods, it operated more than 700 flights a day. Vueling reported an 81.44 per cent punctuality rate in 2025, which it said made it the second most punctual low-cost airline in Europe.

The figure rose to 84.3 per cent during the first half of 2026, while the company also reported its highest-ever customer satisfaction score during that period. Of course, winning an award does not mean every passenger’s next flight will leave on time or that delays will suddenly disappear. The Skytrax result reflects millions of individual responses across the airline’s operations.

More routes for Spanish travellers

Vueling currently connects around 100 destinations in 30 countries, giving passengers in Spain a wide choice of European and international routes. The airline is also working through its Rumbo 2035 strategy, which includes strengthening its position at Barcelona-El Prat and developing connections between Spain and the rest of Europe.

There have also been changes aimed at the passenger experience. Vueling has revamped its Vueling Club loyalty programme and introduced Vueling Holidays, allowing customers to combine flights, accommodation and experiences. On board, the airline has introduced a new entertainment system with films and series, alongside Wi-Fi services.

Vueling takes third place worldwide

While Vueling can now claim the European low-cost title, it did not take the number one position globally. AirAsia was named the world’s best low-cost airline, followed by Scoot, with Vueling taking third place.

For a Spanish carrier, however, finishing at the top of the European category gives the airline a significant international recognition at a time when low-cost airlines face intense competition over price, punctuality and passenger experience. For Spanish travellers, the next time a Vueling flight appears in a search for a cheap European break, there is at least an award-winning airline behind the booking.