Ryanair and Wizz Air Passenger Numbers Rose in September
Budget airlines reported significant growth in passenger volumes throughout September 2026.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Air Travel
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Ryanair and Wizz Air both saw increased passenger counts in September 2026, signaling ongoing growth for budget carriers. Ryanair carried 20.1 million passengers, while Wizz Air reached 7.8 million passengers during the same period.
Why it matters
The growth in passenger traffic highlights robust demand for low-cost air travel, even as airlines navigate operational challenges and capacity expansions. Wizz Air specifically benefited from a stronger pricing environment throughout the month.
Ryanair operated over 111,700 flights with a 94% load factor, despite cancelling more than 1,000 flights. Wizz Air increased its capacity by 25.3% to 8.46 million seats while maintaining a 92% load factor.
The players
Ryanair
An Irish ultra-low-cost airline that operates a vast network of short-haul flights across Europe.
Wizz Air
A Hungarian low-cost airline known for its rapidly expanding network across Central and Eastern Europe.
The details
Ryanair's operations were hampered by external disruptions including a UK ATC system collapse, Belgian ATC strikes, and volcanic eruptions at Mount Etna. Meanwhile, Wizz Air capitalized on favorable market pricing to drive its substantial capacity and passenger gains.
Timeline
September 2025 served as the baseline period for Ryanair's load factor comparison.
September 2026 served as the primary reporting period for passenger numbers for both airlines.
Travel Outlook
These passenger figures follow the established pattern of the post-pandemic surge in European low-cost carrier travel demand. This data reflects a sustained shift as consumers continue to prioritize budget-friendly options over legacy carrier alternatives.
Travelers should remain aware that budget airlines may experience sudden disruptions due to infrastructure issues like air traffic control strikes or volcanic activity. Comparing flight schedules across multiple carriers can help mitigate the risk of cancellations when booking travel.
The takeaway
The sustained growth of these low-cost carriers indicates that budget-conscious travel remains a primary driver for the aviation industry. Passengers should continue to account for potential operational volatility when planning trips with high-capacity discount airlines.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the industry, visit our Air Travel section.
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