Ryanair Has Become World's Second Largest Airline
The low-cost carrier reached a new global milestone after reporting 208 million passengers in 2025.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Air Travel
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Ryanair has secured its position as the second largest airline in the world by passenger volume, surpassing Delta Air Lines in 2025. The budget carrier transported 208 million passengers throughout the year.
Why it matters
This shift highlights the immense growth of low-cost business models in the aviation industry. Ryanair's focus on short-haul European flights has allowed it to outpace several major international legacy carriers in terms of total customer volume.
In 2025, Ryanair handled 208 million passengers, narrowly ahead of Delta Air Lines with 206 million and behind American Airlines with 253 million. Other major carriers reported lower figures, including the Lufthansa Group at 140 million and IAG at 135 million.
The players
Ryanair
This is a low-cost airline group based in Europe that specializes in budget-friendly, short-haul flight services.
American Airlines
This is a major United States-based legacy carrier that currently holds the top spot for global passenger volume.
Delta Air Lines
This is a prominent U.S. airline that competes internationally for market share and passenger traffic.
International Air Transport Association
This trade organization represents the global airline industry and verifies international aviation data.
The details
The airline achieved this ranking by focusing on a high-frequency, low-cost business model centered on short-haul travel within Europe. According to data verified by the International Air Transport Association, Ryanair now also ranks as the third most valuable listed airline group globally.
Timeline
Ryanair carried 208 million passengers in 2025.
The airline held its Annual General Meeting in September 2026.
The CEO announced the airline's new status at a press conference on September 23, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This performance reflects the broader shift where budget carriers increasingly challenge legacy airlines for dominance in the global aviation market. By prioritizing high-volume, short-haul travel, Ryanair follows a trajectory that disrupts traditional, long-established industry hierarchies.
Travelers should note that the expansion of low-cost carriers often correlates with more budget-friendly route options within Europe. However, passengers should remain aware that increased volume can impact airport congestion and may require earlier booking to secure lower fares.
The takeaway
Ryanair's rise to the second largest airline globally signals a permanent shift in how travelers approach regional flight bookings. Passengers can leverage these high-volume networks to find cheaper alternatives to traditional legacy airline services.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the global aviation industry, visit the Air Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eoghan Corry's TRAVEL Extra.
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