Leading the list once again is Malaysia’s AirAsia, maintaining its dominance in the budget travel category.
Here is the full list of Skytrax’s top low-cost airlines for 2024:
| Rank | Airline | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
AirAsia |
Malaysia |
|
2 |
Volotea |
Spain |
|
3 |
Flynas |
Saudi Arabia |
|
4 |
Transavia France |
France |
|
5 |
IndiGo |
India |
|
6 |
Vueling Airlines |
Spain |
|
7 |
airBaltic |
Latvia |
|
8 |
Iberia Express |
Spain |
|
9 |
Ryanair |
Ireland |
|
10 |
easyJet |
United Kingdom |
Skytrax highlighted these carriers for their customer satisfaction, value for money, punctuality, and in-flight service. Many of the top airlines also stood out for their regional connectivity and modern fleet upgrades.
What it means for African travellers
While none of the airlines on this list are based in Africa, the rankings serve as a benchmark for African carriers seeking to enhance affordability, accessibility, and service excellence. The increasing popularity of budget travel across the continent highlights the need for competitive low-cost options within Africa.
Travellers from countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa often rely on international low-cost carriers when flying to Europe, the Middle East, or Asia. Flynas, for example, has become a popular option for West African pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia, while flyDubai offers routes linking several African cities to the Middle East at reasonable fares.
The opportunity for African low-cost aviation
There remains a significant gap for homegrown African low-cost carriers to rise to global prominence. Regional airlines such as Fastjet, Jambojet, and Fly540 have made commendable efforts, but infrastructural and regulatory challenges still limit scalability and international recognition.
Conclusion
Skytrax’s 2024 list underscores the increasing importance of budget airlines in shaping modern travel.
While African carriers are not yet represented among the global best, the continent’s aviation sector has the potential to evolve and compete, especially if it capitalises on its vast, underserved travel markets.
