RYANAIR HAS CLAIMED to be the ‘world’s favourite airline’ after new figures showed the airline carried over 101.4 million international passengers last year.

The latest consumer data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) put passenger numbers for Ryanair well above those of its competitors.

Easyjet carried 62.6 million passengers, Emirates carried 51.03 million and Lufthansa’s figures reached 46.9 million last year. Ryanair is the first airline in the world to carry more than 100 million international customers in one year.

Speaking about the figures, Ryanair’s Robin Kiely said the figures confirm “Ryanair remains the world’s favourite airline”. He said the company’s success was down to its ‘Always Getting Better’ programme and the fact that it offers the lowest fares in Europe.

Customers can look forward to more new routes, new digital features, new cabin interiors and even more low fares, as we carry more than 117m customers this year.

To celebrate, Ryanair has released 100,000 seats for sale across its European network, from €19.99 for travel in October and November.

Read: Burned by Brexit, Michael O’Leary confirms Ryanair will move flights from UK to Europe>

WATCH: Man catches flight after dashing across runway at Madrid airport>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More