Choosing the best airlines in the UK means understanding more than brand names. It means looking at how airlines perform across multiple factors. These include reliability, customer reputation, comfort, and passenger reviews. In this article, we explore the best airlines in the UK based on the latest data from AirAdvisor’s 2025 comprehensive ranking of UK carriers.
The airlines featured here are evaluated on up to nine categories, including flight punctuality, customer feedback, safety, comfort, and overall reputation. By the end, you will understand which carriers stand out and why they matter for travellers in 2026.
What Defines the Best Airlines in the UK?
Being one of the best airlines in the UK does not hinge on a single factor. Instead, it reflects a mix of several key aspects:
- Reliability and flight performance: on-time arrivals, low cancellations.
- Customer reputation: how well passengers rate their experiences.
- Comfort and service quality: cabin comfort, lounges, and amenities.
- Safety and professional reviews: industry recognition and safety records.
The AirAdvisor ranking takes all these into account for its top 10 list.
Also read: Top 7 First Class Airlines in the World
British Airways – Number 1 UK Airline
Flag Carrier Strength
At the top of the list of the best airlines in the UK is British Airways (BA). It scored 71 out of 90 points in the AirAdvisor ranking. This makes it the leading UK airline overall.
British Airways is familiar to many travellers, and its high ranking reflects several strengths:
- Broad passenger reach: BA boarded nearly 40 million passengers in 2024, more than most other UK carriers.
- Comfort: It ranks highly for in-flight comfort and experience.
- Professional reviews and reputation: It earns strong marks from industry and customer reviews.
These qualities contribute to BA’s top spot among the best airlines in the UK.
Virgin Atlantic – Joint First Among UK Carriers
Excellent Overall Performance
Virgin Atlantic shares the top position with British Airways in the AirAdvisor ranking, also scoring 71 out of 90 points.
Virgin Atlantic is known for its dependable performance and comprehensive service. The airline:
- Ranks in the top three for flight reliability.
- Earns strong customer reputation scores.
- Is recognised as safe and family-friendly.
Although smaller than some competitors, Virgin Atlantic’s performance on key categories places it among the best airlines in the UK.
Also read: 10 Best Business Class Airlines in the World
TUI Airways – Third-Best UK Airline
Comfort and Family Travel
TUI UK ranks third on the AirAdvisor list with 60 out of 90 points.
While TUI’s flight reliability numbers were the lowest among the top 10 carriers in 2024, it still rates highly in other areas. According to AirAdvisor:
- High ratings for safety and comfort.
- Strong customer review scores.
- Good for family travel and overall reputation.
These strengths help TUI secure its place among the best airlines in the UK, especially for travellers who value service and travel experience.
Jet2 – Reliable and Highly Ranked
A Trusted Choice for Reliability
Jet2 ranks fourth among UK carriers with 59 out of 90 points.
Jet2 is one of the most reliable carriers in the UK, especially when considering flight performance. It stands out for:
- Top reliability metrics in AirAdvisor’s ranking.
- Strong customer reputation scores.
Also read: Best Airlines in Africa 2026
Although in fourth place overall, Jet2’s combination of reliability and passenger satisfaction keeps it firmly among the best airlines in the UK.
easyJet – Major Carrier with Broad Reach
Popular and Widely Used
easyJet comes fifth on the AirAdvisor ranking with 55 out of 90 points.
As one of the most well-known UK airlines, easyJet is notable for:
- Being the largest airline in the UK by passenger volume.
- Strong reliability compared with many competitors.
- Good professional and customer review scores.
easyJet’s broad network and dependable service help it remain one of the best airlines in the UK, especially for travellers seeking frequent and accessible connections.
Other Notable UK Airlines
Beyond the top five, several other carriers contribute to the UK’s aviation sector. While they may not rank as highly overall, they offer value in specific areas.
Loganair – Regional Strength
Loganair earns 49 out of 90 points in the AirAdvisor ranking.
Also read: Best Airlines in the World 2026
Loganair is Scotland’s largest regional airline and offers:
- Extensive regional connections across the UK and Europe.
- High safety scores and good passenger reputation.
Its regional focus makes it a good choice for travellers heading to smaller destinations.
Wizz Air UK – Budget Option
Wizz Air UK earns 41 out of 90 points in the ranking.
This airline is known for:
- Lowest airfare costs among UK carriers.
- A less favourable customer reputation score.
For cost-sensitive passengers, Wizz Air UK remains an option, though it does not rate as highly overall as other carriers.
Aurigny Air Services – Channel Islands Operator
Aurigny Air Services earns 40 points in the AirAdvisor list.
Furthermore, Aurigny operates from the Channel Islands and provides:
- Above-average customer reputation.
- A lower position in overall rankings due to less reliable performance.
For travellers to and from the Channel Islands, Aurigny offers a useful connection.
Blue Islands and Eastern Airways
Both Blue Islands and Eastern Airways are included at the lower end of the AirAdvisor ranking.
Also read: Best Airlines to Travel to India | Full Guide
Blue Islands, while important for Channel Islands travel, scores lower overall due to limited flights and middling reputation. Eastern Airways similarly places near the bottom of the list, reflecting smaller scale and fewer competitive advantages.
Both AIrlines ceased operation in late 2025.
What This Ranking Means for Travellers in 2026
AirAdvisor’s top 10 list offers a broad view of the best airlines in the UK based on:
- Flight reliability and punctuality
- Customer reputation and reviews
- Comfort and safety
- Professional evaluations across multiple categories
These factors help travellers choose wisely when booking flights.
In 2026, passengers have options that range from flag carriers with global reach to regional airlines serving niche routes. Whether you prioritise comfort, reliability, or affordability, this ranking highlights choices backed by comprehensive data.
Conclusion on the Best Airlines in the UK
The best airlines in the UK combine service quality, operational performance, and passenger satisfaction. According to AirAdvisor:
- British Airways and Virgin Atlantic tie for the top position with the strongest overall scores.
- TUI Airways offers good comfort and reputation, despite showing weaker reliability.
- Jet2 and easyJet offer strong reliability and broad reach, making them solid choices for many travellers.
- Loganair, Wizz Air UK, Aurigny, Blue Islands, and Eastern Airways round out the broader list, catering to specific markets and passenger needs.
By understanding these strengths and limitations, travellers in 2026 can make more informed decisions about which best airlines in the UK suit their travel plans.
Stay connected to this blog for more useful day-to-day updates. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @Logic_sss for more.
