Jet2 and easyJet have been jointly recognised as the best short-haul airlines at The Independent's inaugural Travel Awards, held on 8 September. Both British carriers, known for low-cost fares and holiday packages, primarily serve destinations across Europe.
EasyJet operates 1,207 routes connecting 164 airports in 38 countries. The airline has recently focused on recruiting more mature workers for cabin crew roles, reporting a significant increase in staff over 50 and nearly quadrupling crew members in their 60s since 2022.
Jet2, the UK’s third-largest airline, flies from 14 UK airports to over 75 European destinations, serving more than 19.8 million customers annually. The airline recently repatriated thousands of customers whose travel plans were disrupted by an air traffic control glitch, adding extra flights and deploying additional teams. Jet2 confirmed that customers with cancelled plans would receive a full refund.
In the long-haul category, UAE-based Emirates was named the winner. Emirates operates a large fleet of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, flying to 140 destinations across multiple continents. The airline is reportedly upgrading amenities, including multi-way adjustable headrests and plans for en-suite bathrooms in first-class suites.