Would you like to find out which airlines are considered the worst airlines in the world? If you’ve ever taken a plane somewhere, you know that air travel can be great, making it possible to cover huge distances in relatively short periods of time. However, you are probably also aware of what a terrible time passengers can have, especially when flying economy class. Small seats and bad food are just two of the many things customers complain about regularly, yet they are certainly not the only aspects in desperate need of improvement on some airlines.
As everyone can imagine, the in-flight experience aboard some of the worst airlines in the world, rates poorly on every level. Whether cabin cleanliness, quality of meals, entertainment, comfort, or service, the passenger reviews for all ten airline companies contained in our list were very negative. In some cases, customers were so unhappy with the service provided, that one wonders how these firms even manage to stay in business. Well, the answer is sometimes simple: certain destinations can only be reached by taking some of the worst airlines in the world, since they are the only ones that reach particularly remote destinations or fly between certain routes that may be more convenient for the flyer.
If you wish to visit some of the most expensive countries to fly to, which we have covered in a previous post, then make sure you steer clear of the airlines appearing in the following list. Some of these firms are not only renowned for their poor service, but are also rather unsafe, having lost a couple of planes over the years.
With safety issues now also a concern, it is rather evident that traveling with the worst airlines in the world can be rather stressful. Hence, if you want to have a great time while on your trip and not worry about having a bad in-flight experience, be sure to avoid the following ten companies.
10. Syrian Air
This airline made headlines when it crashed into a helicopter near Damascus, which almost resulted in the death of the 200 passengers onboard the aircraft. Safety aside, this firm has bad customer reviews and is now exposed to sanction from the EU due to the ongoing civil war in Syria.
9. Tajik Air
If poverty comes to mind when you think of Tajikistan, then imagine what the country’s national airlines is like. A two star ranking in terms of comfort is just about all that Tajik Air has going for itself: after two fatal crashes during the 90’s, most passengers are reluctant to trust this airline.
8. Iceland Express
Although Iceland Express’ fleet is composed of only two aircraft, it has managed to make it on the list of the worst airlines in the world. Passengers were not satisfied with the meals they received, and felt cabin staff assistance was only at a two-star level.
7. Rossiya Airlines
Despite recent efforts to improve its image by renewing its fleet, this Russia-based airline is still not favored by passengers. Back in 2010, the merger between Rossiya Airlines and Aeroflot was so bad, that it resulted in a sharp drop in profitability.
6. Bulgaria Air
Although it is a new airline with a small fleet, Bulgaria Air has not managed to impress customers. The airline only received two stars for service efficiency and amenities, while staff language skills didn’t make the three star mark.
5. Air Koryo
A flight aboard North Korea’s national airline must have some entertainment value, at least due to the marching music played in the cabin. The state-owned company’s fleet is in bad shape, and the food can hardly be considered anything more than edible.
4. Uzbekistan Airways
Although it was only founded in 1992, Uzbekistan Airways has already suffered three major accidents, which resulted in the deaths of 54 passengers. In addition to safety concerns, customers complained about in-flight entertainment, staff responsiveness, and amenities.
3. Ukraine International Airlines
Despite the fact that Ukraine International Airlines flies to over 60 different destinations across Asia, Europe and the Middle East, it ranks very poorly amongst passengers. Based out of Kiev, this airline might have once flown Pope John Paul II around the country, but he surely did not have a pleasant trip!
2. Sudan Airways
Scoring less than two stars in every category except seat comfort, Sudan Airways is considered to be the second worst airline in the world. Its lack of quality and safety standards have resulted in an EU ban, meaning it only caters to travelers headed towards South Africa, the Middle East, and within Sudan itself.
1. Turkmenistan Airlines
The worst airline in the world. Food and amenities have been roundly criticized, and the staff described as some of the worst and most unfriendly ever encountered. Considering riding a bus to your destination (if possible) before hopping on a Turkmenistan Airlines flight.
