Europe’s 2025 Airline Rankings: Finnair Tops the Worst List

A recent ranking by the German company Flightright has identified the ten worst-performing airlines in Europe for 2025, evaluating factors such as reliability, compensation payment behavior, and customer satisfaction. The list highlights significant concerns for air travelers, particularly regarding operational stability and service quality among major carriers.

At the bottom of the list is Finnair, which received a dismal score of 2.48 out of 10. The airline’s performance has been notably marred by industrial action, leading to numerous last-minute cancellations and operational disruptions. In the second quarter of 2025, Finnair reported a staggering 76.4% plunge in profits, exacerbated by unreliable summer schedules that left passengers with limited rebooking options.

Customer feedback reflects widespread dissatisfaction with Finnair’s services. One traveler on Reddit recounted multiple issues during four recent flights, including cancellations and difficulties with baggage handling. Another user criticized the airline for its high fares, poor onboard service, and cleanliness issues, stating, “I’m really struggling to recommend them. The only exception being safety.”

In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for Finnair acknowledged the impact of industrial actions by the Finnish Air Line Pilots’ Association (SLL) and the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU). They stated, “Unfortunately, industrial action has affected the reliability of our flights this year, as we’ve been forced to cancel flights due to these disruptions.” The spokesperson added that agreements have been reached with all employee groups, allowing the airline to return to a level of operational reliability that customers expect.

Following Finnair on the list are several other low-cost carriers, including Vueling and Ryanair, which scored 2.52 and 2.58 respectively. Vueling faced significant challenges during the summer months, with high cancellation rates and inadequate compensation practices. Ryanair, known for its budget pricing, has been criticized for delays, hidden fees, and aggressive customer policies.

The full list of the ten worst airlines, according to Flightright, is as follows:

1. Finnair – 2.48 – Strikes, last-minute cancellations
2. Vueling – 2.52 – High summer cancellations, poor compensation
3. Ryanair – 2.58 – Delays, hidden fees, aggressive policies
4. easyJet – 2.68 – Service cuts, schedule instability
5. KLM – 2.72 – Customer service decline
6. British Airways – 2.72 – Long refund processing, long-haul issues
7. Wizz Air – 2.72 – Engine reliability concerns
8. Condor – 2.72 – Older fleet, inconsistent reliability
9. Swiss International Air Lines AG – 2.76 – Delays and ticket rebooking problems
10. Turkish Airlines – 2.80 – Long-haul complaints, compensation delays

The evaluation by Flightright serves as a critical reminder for travelers to consider reliability and customer service when booking flights. With many airlines struggling to meet expectations, passengers may need to weigh their options carefully to avoid potential frustrations in their travel plans.