Do budget airlines compromise on safety?

If you are flying from A to B for little money, you may wonder whether you are sacrificing comfort or safety. A widespread prejudice says that low-cost airlines are riskier than large, established airlines. But is this really true?

The short answer is no – low-cost airlines are just as safe as other airlines. The reason for this is simple: aviation is one of the most strictly regulated transport systems in the world. Every airline – whether low-cost or expensive – must comply with the same international safety standards prescribed by the relevant authorities.

Switzerland takes safety very seriously

Airlines wishing to operate flights to Switzerland must obtain an operating license from the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). If an airline does not receive this, it means that either there are serious safety deficiencies or the competent authorities in the country of origin are not adequately fulfilling their supervisory obligations.

The FOCA regularly carries out spot checks as part of the Europe-wide SAFA programme (Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft) and checks whether airlines comply with the international safety standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). In addition, every airline must prove that it has adequate insurance cover.

Although operating licences are generally issued for five years, the FOCA can withdraw them at any time if there is any suspicion that an airline – whether a low-cost or an established carrier – is not complying with safety standards. Switzerland follows the EU blacklist of unsafe airlines, meaning that airlines banned in any EU or EFTA state are generally not permitted to land in Switzerland.

The newest aircraft, but less comfort

Many low-cost airlines rely on new aircraft, since uniform and modern fleets make maintenance easier and save costs. Models such as the Airbus A320neo are equipped with the latest technology and are among the most efficient aircraft in the world.

Of course, there are differences in service and comfort. When flying with a low-cost airline, you usually have to pay extra for baggage, snacks, or seat selection. Additionally, in cases of delays or flight cancellations, low-cost airlines do not always respond in the most customer-friendly manner. However, there are no compromises when it comes to safety.

Ultimately, it is not the ticket price that determines safety, but the strict international regulations and continuous monitoring by the aviation authorities. So, if you choose a low-cost airline, you may have to sacrifice legroom and free snacks – but not safety.