The UAE's flydubai is one of the world's top low-cost airlines in 2023. Photo: Chad Slattery
The UAE's flydubai is one of the world's top low-cost airlines in 2023. Photo: Chad Slattery
The UAE's flydubai is one of the world's top low-cost airlines in 2023. Photo: Chad Slattery
The UAE's flydubai is one of the world's top low-cost airlines in 2023. Photo: Chad Slattery

Best low-cost airlines in 2023: flydubai and Wizz Air rank in top 25


Hayley Skirka
  • English
  • Arabic

Many of us lament the end of the golden age of flying, when catching a flight was all about glamour, gourmet meals and ample legroom. These days, unless you can afford to fly in premium cabins with lie-flat beds and in-flight showers, the reality is a little different.

And that's especially true when flying on a low-cost airline where affordable ticket prices take precedence over in-flight frills. Pocket-friendly prices are important when it comes to booking travel, but what you get for your money can vary wildly depending on the airline. This leaves many travellers wondering what are the best budget airlines?

Airline Ratings has the answer via its curation of the world’s best low-cost airlines for 2023.

The list is compiled alphabetically rather than in ranking order, in the same way as the top 20 list of the world’s best airlines, which this year was topped by Air New Zealand, and included both Etihad Airways and Emirates.

Dubai's budget airline flydubai is included in this year's ranking of the top 25 best affordable airlines.

The carrier recently announced its new lie-flat business class suites, making it the first in the world to introduce such seats on a single-aisle Boeing aircraft.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is listed in the world's top 25 most affordable airlines in 2023. Photo: Wizz Air
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is listed in the world's top 25 most affordable airlines in 2023. Photo: Wizz Air

Flydubai was also named the best budget airline in the Middle East. It joins the likes of Southwest, AirAsia, Jetstar and Ryanair as the best low-cost options in their respective regions around the globe.

Wizz Air, the Hungarian airline which has a UAE base via Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, is also included in this year’s ranking. Its inclusion comes despite the airline being named the worst in the UK for flight delays.

Another budget airline in the UAE, Sharjah's Air Arabia, failed to rank in the top 25 in this year’s list after placing in the top 20 last year.

VietJet came out as one of the best budget carriers in the world, with the Vietnamese airline not only ranking in the top 25, but also picking up awards for best airline catering for a low-cost carrier and as the world’s best ultra low-cost airline.

The top 25 low-cost airlines in 2023

  1. AirAsia, Malaysia
  2. Allegiant, United States
  3. Bonza, Australia
  4. Cebu Pacific, Philippines
  5. easyJet, UK
  6. Eurowings, Germany
  7. Flair, Canada
  8. flydubai, UAE
  9. Frontier, United States
  10. GOL, Brazil
  11. IndiGo, India
  12. Jet2, UK
  13. JetBlue, United States
  14. Jetstar, Australia
  15. Norse Atlantic, Norway
  16. Peach, Japan
  17. Ryanair, Ireland
  18. Scoot, Singapore
  19. Spirit, United States
  20. Southwest, United States
  21. Transavia, Netherlands
  22. TUI, Germany
  23. VietJet, Vietnam
  24. Vueling, Spain
  25. Wizz Air, Hungary
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

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Updated: May 31, 2023, 5:56 AM`