Pius IkeFor cheap fares and terrible service these are the airlines you should look up. The worst airlines in the world offer travelers the opportunity to be herded like cattle into aircraft, rudely shot down by crew members, and arrive late to their destinations.
Of course even the worst airlines can occasionally offer good or timely service; so it is quite possible for passengers to miss out on the terrible thrills they came to enjoy. Nevertheless, frequent flyers on these airlines have become used to this kind of service; and any travelers who use these airlines more than once will probably testify about just how bad they are.
The information below is taken from official sources, and corroborated by travelers who have tasted of their poor services.
Top 50 Worst Airlines In The World
Absolutely, Ike! Here’s a richer, more engaging version of the Top 20 Worst Airlines in the World (2025) with expanded descriptions that go beyond surface-level complaints. Each entry explores the deeper reasons behind their poor reputation—covering safety, service, reliability, and passenger experience. I’ve also adjusted the formatting so the airline names aren’t in all caps.
✈️ Top 20 Worst Airlines in the World (2025)
1. Air Koryo – North Korea
Often dubbed the “world’s only one-star airline,” Air Koryo is infamous for its outdated Soviet-era fleet, minimal service, and lack of transparency. Flights are rare and heavily monitored, with propaganda replacing entertainment. Safety standards are questionable, and international aviation bodies have long criticized its maintenance practices. Passengers report uncomfortable seating, poor food, and a surreal onboard experience that feels more like a state-controlled operation than a commercial airline.
2. Nepal Airlines – Nepal
Nepal Airlines continues to struggle with safety and reliability. The airline operates aging aircraft and has faced multiple incidents that raised international concern. Delays and cancellations are frequent, and customer service is often described as indifferent. Despite Nepal’s breathtaking tourism appeal, its national carrier fails to meet global aviation standards, leaving travelers frustrated and wary of booking.
3. Lion Air – Indonesia
Lion Air has a troubling history of fatal crashes, poor pilot training, and chaotic operations. Overbooking, last-minute cancellations, and disorganized boarding are common. The airline’s rapid expansion has outpaced its ability to maintain quality and safety. Passengers frequently complain about rude staff, dirty cabins, and a lack of communication during delays. Despite being one of Asia’s largest low-cost carriers, its reputation remains deeply tarnished.
4. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) – Pakistan
PIA’s decline has been steep and public. A 2020 crash and revelations about unqualified pilots severely damaged its credibility. The airline suffers from financial instability, outdated aircraft, and inconsistent service. Passengers report frequent delays, poor food quality, and unresponsive customer support. Once a respected regional carrier, PIA now struggles to maintain basic operational standards.
5. Air India – India
Air India’s reputation for poor service is well-earned. Passengers regularly encounter dirty cabins, malfunctioning seats, and indifferent staff. The airline’s fleet includes many aging aircraft prone to technical issues. Delays are common, and customer complaints often go unresolved. Despite being India’s flagship carrier, Air India fails to deliver a reliable or pleasant flying experience, especially on domestic routes.
6. Ryanair – Ireland
Ryanair is notorious for its aggressive cost-cutting and bare-bones service. Passengers face cramped seating, strict baggage policies, and a barrage of hidden fees. Customer service is minimal, and flight delays are frequent. The airline’s no-frills approach often feels hostile, with many travelers describing the experience as transactional and unpleasant. Despite low fares, the overall value is questionable.
7. Spirit Airlines – United States
Spirit Airlines is the poster child for budget travel gone wrong. While fares are low, nearly every amenity—from carry-on bags to seat selection—comes with a fee. Seats are cramped, customer service is poor, and delays are common. Passengers often feel misled by pricing and frustrated by the lack of support during disruptions. Spirit’s reputation for unreliability makes it one of the least-liked airlines in North America.
8. EasyJet – United Kingdom
EasyJet offers affordable flights across Europe, but its service quality is inconsistent. Delays, poor claims processing, and minimal customer support are frequent complaints. The airline’s strict baggage policies and uncomfortable seating add to the frustration. While it serves many popular destinations, the overall passenger experience often feels rushed and impersonal.
9. Kuwait Airways – Kuwait
Despite premium pricing, Kuwait Airways delivers a subpar experience. Passengers report frequent delays, outdated aircraft, and poor in-flight service. Customer support is slow to respond, and the airline has faced criticism for mishandling baggage and onboard incidents. Its inability to modernize or meet international service standards keeps it near the bottom of global rankings.
10. Viva Air – Colombia
Viva Air’s ultra-low-cost model comes at the expense of basic service. Flights are often delayed or canceled with little notice, and communication is poor. Seating is cramped, and onboard amenities are minimal. Refunds and compensation are difficult to obtain, leaving passengers feeling stranded and unsupported. Despite its affordability, the airline’s reliability is a major concern.
11. Tunisair – Tunisia
Tunisair struggles with punctuality, cleanliness, and customer service. Passengers frequently report dirty cabins, rude staff, and outdated aircraft. Delays are common, and the airline’s operational efficiency is lacking. Despite being Tunisia’s national carrier, it fails to meet the expectations of international travelers and locals alike.
12. Air Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe
Air Zimbabwe operates with a nearly obsolete fleet and chronic financial instability. Flights are often delayed or canceled without explanation, and safety concerns persist. The airline lacks modern booking systems and offers minimal in-flight service. Passengers face long waits, poor communication, and unreliable schedules, making it one of Africa’s most problematic carriers.
13. Jet Airways – India
Jet Airways was once a respected name in Indian aviation but has faced bankruptcy, grounding, and inconsistent service since its attempted relaunch. Passengers report confusion over flight schedules, poor customer support, and unreliable operations. The airline’s struggle to regain trust has been slow, and its reputation remains damaged.
14. Interjet – Mexico
Interjet’s financial collapse left thousands of passengers stranded. The airline was plagued by poor communication, frequent cancellations, and refund issues. Even before its shutdown, service quality was declining, with aging aircraft and inconsistent schedules. Attempts to revive the brand have been met with skepticism due to its troubled history.
15. Wizz Air – Hungary
Wizz Air’s ultra-low-cost model is marred by hidden fees, poor customer service, and frequent delays. Passengers often complain about uncomfortable seating, strict baggage enforcement, and difficulty reaching support. While it serves many European destinations, the overall experience is often described as stressful and disappointing.
16. Air Serbia – Serbia
Air Serbia faces criticism for outdated aircraft, poor in-flight service, and frequent schedule changes. Passengers report long delays, unresponsive customer support, and a lack of transparency. Despite efforts to modernize, the airline continues to fall short of international standards, especially on long-haul routes.
17. Flynas – Saudi Arabia
Flynas suffers from inconsistent service, frequent delays, and poor baggage handling. Passengers often struggle to get assistance during disruptions, and the airline’s communication is lacking. While it offers competitive pricing, the overall experience is unreliable and frustrating for many travelers.
18. South African Airways – South Africa
Once a leading African carrier, South African Airways has been plagued by financial mismanagement and operational instability. Delays, cancellations, and aging aircraft are common. The airline’s restructuring efforts have yet to restore confidence, and passengers continue to report poor service and lack of accountability.
19. EgyptAir – Egypt
EgyptAir’s reputation suffers from a history of safety concerns, outdated planes, and lackluster service. Passengers frequently complain about rude staff, lost luggage, and poor food quality. Despite being a major regional airline, it struggles to meet the expectations of international travelers.
20. Air Canada Rouge – Canada
As the budget arm of Air Canada, Rouge is criticized for cramped seating, minimal amenities, and frequent delays. Passengers often feel misled by branding, expecting full-service quality but receiving a stripped-down experience. Customer support is slow, and in-flight comfort is lacking, especially on long-haul routes.
Absolutely, Ike! Here’s a clean, numbered table of the remaining 30 worst airlines in the world (2025), ranked from #21 to #50. Each entry includes the airline’s country and the most common passenger complaints that contribute to its poor reputation.
📉 Airlines Ranked #21–50 – Worst in the World (2025)
| # | Airline | Country | Key Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Volotea | Spain | Frequent delays, poor customer service |
| 22 | Jetstar Airways | Australia | Cramped seating, inconsistent scheduling |
| 23 | Allegiant Air | United States | Safety concerns, hidden fees, poor maintenance |
| 24 | Sun Country Airlines | United States | Uncomfortable cabins, poor communication |
| 25 | Peach Aviation | Japan | Limited support, frequent cancellations |
| 26 | TUI Airways | United Kingdom | Long wait times, inconsistent service |
| 27 | AirAsia | Malaysia | Overbooking, poor refund handling |
| 28 | Scoot | Singapore | Minimal legroom, unreliable schedules |
| 29 | HK Express | Hong Kong | Poor customer support, frequent delays |
| 30 | FlyDubai | United Arab Emirates | Cramped seating, subpar in-flight service |
| 31 | WestJet | Canada | Lost baggage, inconsistent service |
| 32 | Southwest Airlines | United States | Chaotic boarding, overbooking, customer service issues |
| 33 | Vueling Airlines | Spain | Frequent delays, poor claims processing |
| 34 | JetSMART Airlines | Chile | Uncomfortable cabins, poor communication |
| 35 | SKY Airline | Chile | Minimal amenities, inconsistent schedules |
| 36 | Kenya Airways | Kenya | Aging fleet, frequent delays |
| 37 | Royal Air Maroc | Morocco | Poor food quality, unresponsive staff |
| 38 | Air Mauritius | Mauritius | Limited routes, outdated aircraft |
| 39 | RwandAir | Rwanda | Infrequent flights, weak customer support |
| 40 | TAP Air Portugal | Portugal | Lost luggage, frequent strikes, poor compensation |
| 41 | Jet2.com | United Kingdom | Poor refund policy, frequent delays |
| 42 | Eurowings | Germany | Cramped seating, poor communication |
| 43 | ITA Airways | Italy | Outdated fleet, inconsistent service |
| 44 | FlyArystan | Kazakhstan | Poor safety record, minimal amenities |
| 45 | American Airlines | United States | Frequent delays, customer service complaints |
| 46 | Hawaiian Airlines | United States | Aging aircraft, limited support |
| 47 | China Eastern Airlines | China | Poor food, frequent delays |
| 48 | Royal Brunei Airlines | Brunei | Limited entertainment, subpar service |
| 49 | Azerbaijan Airlines | Azerbaijan | Inconsistent schedules, poor support |
| 50 | Transavia France | France | Cramped cabins, frequent cancellations |
Closing
The above airlines are some of the worst in the world; they have attained that notoriety through a lot of hard work. Nevertheless, this is not to say that these airlines do not get flyers; one of these airlines carries 34 million people every year, while another carries 11 million.
This shows that there is a real market for cheap flights; even at the expense of quality, and memorable flying experiences. As these poor airlines continue to get lots of traffic; it seems likely that more airlines like these will spring up; offering terrible service but for cheap flights because that is what many people want.