---
title: UK airlines media reputation tracker – September 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Airlines
period: September 2026
coverage_start: '2026-09-01'
coverage_end: '2026-09-30'
date_published: '2026-10-04'
last_updated: '2026-10-04'
organisations: 8
articles_analysed: 2500
mentions: 3005
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09/data.json
summary: Ryanair had the highest average monthly share of coverage (29.6%) among 8
  airlines in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of
  British Airways (19.6%) and easyJet (18.0%).
---

# UK airlines media reputation tracker: September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026)

> Ryanair had the highest average monthly share of coverage (29.6%) among 8 airlines in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of British Airways (19.6%) and easyJet (18.0%). Jet2 had the most favourable net tone (+8). Omniscan analysed 2,500 articles containing 3,005 mentions of the airlines tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09

## UK Airlines ranking by share of coverage, September 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Ryanair | 29.6% | 888 | 5% | 37% | 58% | −53 |
| 2 | British Airways | 19.6% | 588 | 15% | 24% | 61% | −45 |
| 3 | easyJet | 18.0% | 542 | 18% | 16% | 66% | −49 |
| 4 | Jet2 | 11.1% | 334 | 43% | 22% | 35% | +8 |
| 5 | Wizz Air UK | 9.0% | 270 | 24% | 37% | 39% | −15 |
| 6 | Virgin Atlantic | 5.4% | 161 | 28% | 30% | 42% | −13 |
| 7 | TUI Airways | 5.0% | 150 | 25% | 22% | 53% | −29 |
| 8 | Loganair | 2.4% | 72 | 13% | 33% | 54% | −42 |

## Airlines in detail

### Ryanair

**Ryanair confronts disruption, scrutiny and higher-fare pressures**

Ryanair ranked 1st of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (29.6%) in the UK Airlines benchmark for September 2026, with 888 mentions and a net tone of −53.

Reuters reported Michael O’Leary’s accusation that the NATS chief had misrepresented the cause of an air-traffic-control outage, while Ryanair said the technical failure disrupted more than 65,000 of its passengers and led to over 50 cancellations. The New York Times also covered O’Leary’s challenge to accounts of a passenger being partly sucked through a damaged window on a Malta Air-operated flight, while the BBC reported a separate bird-strike diversion. Leadership coverage centred on his offensive description of rival airlines, his initial refusal to apologise and his subsequent apology, alongside a 39% shareholder vote against his potential £129 million pay package. Commercial stories included Ryanair reducing its 2027 traffic target, expecting broadly flat winter traffic and forecasting higher summer 2027 fares amid expensive fuel, while maintaining that it was well hedged and on track for profitable trading. Ryanair ranked first with 888 mentions and a 29.6% share of tracked-company mentions. Disruption was the largest subject with 387 mentions, followed by safety and incidents with 100, leadership and corporate affairs with 99, and financial results and trading with 77.

Key messages:

- Ryanair accounted for 29.6% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #1 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes and Safety & Incidents.
- 888 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Ryanair’s accusation against the NATS chief over the air-traffic-control outage — Reuters

Leading themes:

- Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes: 43.6% of Ryanair's coverage (theme index 0.88, net tone −73)
- Safety & Incidents: 11.3% of Ryanair's coverage (theme index 2.23, net tone −77)
- Leadership & Corporate: 11.1% of Ryanair's coverage (theme index 2.99, net tone −74)

Notable positive coverage:

- 9 September 2026, theglobeandmail.com: [Ryanair Continues Share Buybacks With Late-August, Early-September 2026 Cancellations](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/markets-news/Tipranks/4508204/ryanair-continues-share-buybacks-with-late-august-early-september-2026-cancellations/). Ryanair continued its share-buyback programme, repurchasing and cancelling ordinary shares and ADS-linked shares between 31 August and 4 September 2026. The transactions form part of its capital-return policy and reduce the company share count.
- 12 September 2026, simpleflying.com: [How Ryanair Makes Around $27 Per Passenger From Ancillary Revenue](https://simpleflying.com/ryanair-ancillary-revenue-per-passenger-2026/). Ryanair reported FY2026 ancillary revenue of €4.99 billion, or about €24 per passenger, alongside 208.4 million passengers. The article details how baggage, seating, priority services and onboard sales support its low-fare business model.
- 23 September 2026, reuters.com: [Ryanair expects to receive first 737 MAX 10 aircraft in spring](https://www.reuters.com/business/ryanair-expects-receive-first-737-max-10-aircraft-spring-2026-09-23/). Ryanair expects to receive its first 15 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft in spring, following anticipated certification. The airline ordered 150 MAX 10s in 2023 and holds options for another 150.

Notable negative coverage:

- 11 September 2026, standard.co.uk: [Ryanair boss refuses to apologise for ‘high-fare rapists’ comment](https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/michael-o-leary-ryanair-heidi-alexander-ireland-aer-lingus-b1296611.html). Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary rejected calls to apologise after comparing competitor airlines to rapists. The remarks were condemned by victims’ groups, Irish politicians and UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
- 23 September 2026, independent.co.uk: [Ryanair boss says he has 'no doubt' air fares will increase next year](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/ryanair-london-michael-o-leary-iran-international-air-transport-association-b3055140.html). Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said summer 2027 air fares would rise materially because of higher oil prices linked to the Iran war. The airline has reduced its traffic target as it seeks to limit use of unhedged fuel over winter.
- 11 September 2026, standard.co.uk: [Transport Secretary joins criticism of Ryanair chief’s ‘rapist’ comments](https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/heidi-alexander-michael-o-leary-ryanair-transport-secretary-ireland-b1296556.html). The UK Transport Secretary joined criticism of Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary after he compared rival airlines’ higher fares to “rapists”. O’Leary defended the language, saying passengers would move to Ryanair because of its lower fares.

- [Ryanair deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09?entity=ryanair&view=deep-dive)
- [Ryanair PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09/reports/ryanair.pdf)

### British Airways

**Dubai return and network plans shape British Airways coverage**

British Airways ranked 2nd of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (19.6%) in the UK Airlines benchmark for September 2026, with 588 mentions and a net tone of −45.

British Airways confirmed that daily London–Dubai flights would resume on 3 November, with a second daily service planned later. The Independent reported that Abu Dhabi services remained suspended for winter 2026/27, alongside phased resumptions elsewhere in the region. The carrier separately announced Gatwick services to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar from May 2027, alongside additional long-haul capacity across Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean. British Airways recorded 588 mentions and 19.6% of tracked-company mentions, placing it second in the carrier cohort. Disruption was the largest subject area with 291 mentions, followed by routes, network and capacity with 103, passenger experience and customer service with 73, and policy and regulation with 34. Other company-focused reporting covered a Boeing 777 operating with four unusable toilets, two flights landing safely after onboard emergencies, British Airways placing 23rd in the Skytrax rankings, and its successful appeal against a £5.8m tax bill.

Key messages:

- British Airways accounted for 19.6% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #2 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes and Routes, Network & Capacity.
- 588 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- British Airways to resume Dubai flights from November 3 — Gulf News

Leading themes:

- Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes: 49.5% of British Airways's coverage (theme index 1.05, net tone −88)
- Routes, Network & Capacity: 17.5% of British Airways's coverage (theme index 1.28, net tone +43)
- Passenger Experience & Customer Service: 12.4% of British Airways's coverage (theme index 2.27, net tone −16)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, headforpoints.com: [Where does British Airways offer 'overnight bag drop'?](https://www.headforpoints.com/2026/09/01/british-airways-overnight-bag-drop/). British Airways offers overnight bag drop at seven terminals across six UK airports, allowing passengers to check luggage the day before departure. Glasgow and Jersey have been added since the service was last reviewed.
- 4 September 2026, insideflyer.com: [British Airways adds five new nonstop routes from Heathrow](https://www.insideflyer.com/posts/british-airways-adds-five-new-nonstop-routes-from-heathrow/). British Airways will launch or resume five Heathrow routes between October and December 2026, including Tel Aviv, San José, Tampa, Cologne and Fuerteventura. Several services are being transferred from Gatwick.
- 4 September 2026, simpleflying.com: [British Airways Launches 5 Major Nonstop Routes From Heathrow In 3 Months: Full List](https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-launches-5-major-nonstop-routes-from-heathrow-in-3-months-full-list/). British Airways plans to launch or resume five Heathrow routes between October and December 2026, including San José, Tampa, Cologne, Fuerteventura and Tel Aviv. The article also assesses BA's Heathrow network share and long-haul capacity.

Notable negative coverage:

- 17 September 2026, independent.co.uk: [British Airways has suspended flights to this Middle East destination until next year](https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/british-airways-abu-dhabi-flight-suspension-b3051698.html). British Airways has suspended its Abu Dhabi route for the 2026/27 winter season and expects it to return next year. The airline has also delayed or reduced several Middle East services following the Iran war.
- 15 September 2026, thestreet.com: [British Airways exits entire market, cancels all flights](https://www.thestreet.com/travel/british-airways-exits-entire-market-cancels-abu-dhabi-flights). British Airways appears to have removed its planned London Heathrow-Abu Dhabi service from schedules indefinitely after repeated postponements linked to regional security and airspace risks. The airline has not formally confirmed a permanent cancellation.
- 26 September 2026, theguardian.com: ['I felt shame': former BA worker locked in legal battle after losing job of 30 years](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/sep/26/british-airways-cabin-crew-legal-battle-employment). A former British Airways cabin-crew employee is appealing an employment tribunal ruling over her pandemic-era dismissal and pursuing a holiday-pay claim. Unite says a successful claim could expose airlines to similar claims over part-year working patterns.

- [British Airways deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09?entity=britishairways&view=deep-dive)
- [British Airways PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09/reports/britishairways.pdf)

### easyJet

**Portugal strikes and route expansion frame easyJet’s September coverage**

easyJet ranked 3rd of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (18.0%) in the UK Airlines benchmark for September 2026, with 542 mentions and a net tone of −49.

Independent reporting led with Portuguese cabin crew votes for October and pre-Christmas strikes, with Reuters reporting that hundreds of flights could be grounded. easyJet ranked third with 542 mentions and an 18.0% share of tracked-company mentions. Disruption dominated the subject mix with 346 mentions, followed by routes, network and capacity with 75, safety and incidents with 31, and leadership and corporate affairs with 21. Alongside the strike coverage, The Sun reported 18 new UK routes for summer 2027, while Connexion France detailed new services linking France and the UK. Other material developments included easyJet’s response to forthcoming EU hand-luggage rights, a Manchester flight’s return following a technical issue, and police removing four passengers from a Larnaca–Birmingham service over alleged disruptive behaviour. Corporate coverage also included BofA analysis of Apollo’s takeover bid and its possible implications for European airline consolidation.

Key messages:

- easyJet accounted for 18% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #3 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes and Routes, Network & Capacity.
- 542 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Portuguese cabin crew voted for October and pre-Christmas strikes — Reuters.

Leading themes:

- Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes: 63.8% of easyJet's coverage (theme index 1.45, net tone −86)
- Routes, Network & Capacity: 13.8% of easyJet's coverage (theme index 0.95, net tone +83)
- Safety & Incidents: 5.7% of easyJet's coverage (theme index 0.8, net tone −61)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, cityam.com: [Easyjet's over-60s recruitment push is economically necessary](https://www.cityam.com/easyjets-over-60s-recruitment-push-is-economically-necessary/). An opinion article highlights easyJet's recruitment initiative for older workers, saying its cabin crew aged over 50 and over 60 have increased substantially since 2022. It argues that employers should address age bias and make workplaces more intergenerational.
- 2 September 2026, connexionfrance.com: [French easyJet crew cancel strike threat following new agreement](https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/french-easyjet-crew-cancel-strike-threat-following-new-agreement/812466). easyJet's French cabin-crew unions called off a September strike threat after agreeing revised scheduling protections and compensation for major roster changes. The agreement follows August disruption that delayed or cancelled flights serving France.
- 2 September 2026, reuters.com: [EasyJet, Ithaca Energy to join FTSE 100 index](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/easyjet-ithaca-energy-join-ftse-100-index-2026-09-02/). easyJet is set to join the FTSE 100 following FTSE Russell’s quarterly index review. The article also notes Apollo Global’s agreement in August to acquire easyJet for about £5.70 billion.

Notable negative coverage:

- 17 September 2026, reuters.com: [EasyJet Portugal cabin crew vote for October, pre-Christmas strikes](https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/easyjet-portugal-cabin-crew-vote-october-pre-christmas-strikes-2026-09-17/). EasyJet cabin crew in Portugal voted to strike in October and again just before Christmas over alleged deteriorating working conditions. The union said the action could ground hundreds of flights from Portuguese airports.
- 3 September 2026, express.co.uk: [Brit pensioners abandoned abroad by easyJet as plane declared 'too heavy'](https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2245055/easyjet-flight-london-gatwick). A couple say easyJet denied them boarding from Tivat to Gatwick because the aircraft exceeded weight limits, leaving them to arrange and pay for onward travel. easyJet apologised, cited safety requirements and said reimbursement and compensation were being provided, which the couple dispute.
- 25 September 2026, gazette-news.co.uk: [Hundreds of flights at risk as cabin crew of major airline set to strike](https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/26582328.easyjet-cabin-crew-strikes-put-uk-portugal-flights-risk/). Strike action by Portugal-based easyJet cabin crew is expected to disrupt UK-Portugal flights in October and December. easyJet has already cancelled three Southend services and warned that further cancellations remain possible.

- [easyJet deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09?entity=easyjet&view=deep-dive)
- [easyJet PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09/reports/easyjet.pdf)

### Jet2

**Disruption and winter expansion shape Jet2’s September coverage**

Jet2 ranked 4th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (11.1%) in the UK Airlines benchmark for September 2026, with 334 mentions and a net tone of +8.

Jet2 ranked fourth with 334 mentions, representing 11.1% of tracked-company mentions in September. Disruption was the largest subject area with 143 mentions, followed by routes and capacity with 75, passenger experience with 39 and financial results with 32. Stories included Jet2’s call for stronger air-traffic-control resilience after a NATS failure affected around 7,200 customers, with the carrier arranging extra flights and refunds. Network reporting covered 34 new winter routes, its largest winter programme and first winter season from London Gatwick. Financial coverage addressed stronger summer bookings, increased fuel hedging and the planned move to the London Stock Exchange Main Market. Other reporting covered twilight check-in at 12 UK airports, increased summer 2027 capacity and incidents involving a medical diversion, an alleged bomb threat and a disruptive passenger.

Key messages:

- Jet2 accounted for 11.1% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #4 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes and Routes, Network & Capacity.
- 334 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Summer bookings, fuel hedging and planned Main Market listing — Reuters

Leading themes:

- Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes: 42.8% of Jet2's coverage (theme index 0.89, net tone −68)
- Routes, Network & Capacity: 22.5% of Jet2's coverage (theme index 1.67, net tone +93)
- Passenger Experience & Customer Service: 11.7% of Jet2's coverage (theme index 1.88, net tone +62)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, gbnews.com: [Jet2 unveils new routes to coastal European city hosting huge entertainment event](https://www.gbnews.com/travel/jet2-new-routes-burgas-bulgaria-eurovision). Jet2 has added flights from 11 UK airports to Burgas, Bulgaria, timed around the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2027. The programme includes six exclusive routes and additional departures intended to meet event-driven demand.
- 1 September 2026, express.co.uk: [Jet2 confirms new flights from 4 UK airports for Eurovision 2027](https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/2244411/jet2-confirms-new-flights-4). Jet2 has added Eurovision 2027 flights to Bourgas from Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow and Manchester, taking its Bourgas network to 11 UK airports. The carrier says six of the routes are exclusive to Jet2.
- 3 September 2026, eadt.co.uk: [Jet2 reports summer bookings bounce and upgrades stock market listing](https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/national/26518444.jet2-reports-summer-bookings-bounce-upgrades-stock-market-listing/). Jet2 said summer 2026 booked passengers were 8.8% ahead of the prior year and its load factor improved by 1.5 percentage points. It also plans an 8% increase in winter capacity and to move its London Stock Exchange listing from AIM to the Main Market.

Notable negative coverage:

- 28 September 2026, independent.co.uk: [Jet2 flight to Stansted evacuated after passenger's 'bomb threat'](https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/jet2-bomb-threat-plane-evacuation-tenerife-b3057475.html). A Jet2 flight from Tenerife South to London Stansted was evacuated and delayed after an alleged passenger bomb threat, before departing and landing safely. The article also reports that a Ryanair Porto-Dublin flight returned to Porto following a false security report.
- 22 September 2026, express.co.uk: [Jet2 demands urgent action after 'yet another' major disruption](https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/2250842/jet2-demands-urgent-action-major-disruption). Jet2 called for urgent action to improve UK air-traffic-control resilience after a NATS connectivity issue caused widespread flight disruption. The airline said it would seek compensation from NATS for disruption costs and urged action from NATS and the Government.
- 26 September 2026, people.com: [Travelers Evacuated Off London-Bound Airplane Following Alleged Bomb Threat from Fellow Passenger](https://people.com/travelers-evacuated-off-airplane-following-alleged-bomb-threat-from-fellow-passenger-12142087). A Jet2 Tenerife South-to-London Stansted flight was evacuated after an alleged passenger bomb threat before departure. Following safety checks, passengers re-boarded, but the flight arrived more than two hours late.

- [Jet2 deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09?entity=jet2&view=deep-dive)
- [Jet2 PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09/reports/jet2.pdf)

### Wizz Air UK

**Capacity reset and network decisions shape Wizz Air’s September profile**

Wizz Air UK ranked 5th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (9.0%) in the UK Airlines benchmark for September 2026, with 270 mentions and a net tone of −15.

Independent reporting led with the Wizz Air group cutting planned second-half capacity by 5% amid higher fuel costs linked to the Iran war, while improving its near-term revenue outlook after stronger summer trading. Wizz Air UK ranked fifth with 270 mentions, representing 9.0% of tracked-company mentions. Disruption was the largest subject area with 118 mentions, followed by routes, network and capacity with 56, financial results and trading with 47, and policy and regulation with 22. Network reporting covered restored Middle East services, additional Tel Aviv frequencies and extra London Luton flights around European football fixtures. Other material developments included the planned removal of an aircraft and route reductions at Craiova, alongside retention of the four-aircraft Belgrade base after Serbia delayed new airline rules. The Sun also reported that Wizz Air and Ryanair called for the removal of NATS chief Martin Rolfe after a technical failure caused widespread cancellations, with Wizz Air reporting 24 cancelled flights and more than 10,000 affected passengers.

Key messages:

- Wizz Air UK accounted for 9% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #5 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes and Routes, Network & Capacity.
- 270 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Capacity forecast reduction and revised outlook — Reuters

Leading themes:

- Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes: 43.7% of Wizz Air UK's coverage (theme index 0.91, net tone −64)
- Routes, Network & Capacity: 20.7% of Wizz Air UK's coverage (theme index 1.5, net tone +61)
- Financial Results & Trading: 17.4% of Wizz Air UK's coverage (theme index 3.33, net tone +23)

Notable positive coverage:

- 2 September 2026, sharecast.com: [Wizz Air traffic grows 25.9pc in August](https://www.sharecast.com/amp/news/news-and-announcements/wizz-air-traffic-grows-259pc-in-august--23456058.html). Wizz Air carried 8.70 million passengers in August, up 25.9% year on year, as capacity rose 24.8% and load factor reached 95.6%. The airline also cited a new Spanish base and a mobile-app upgrade.
- 2 September 2026, businesstravelnewseurope.com: [Wizz Air to open bases at Madrid and Valencia airports](https://www.businesstravelnewseurope.com/Air-Travel/Wizz-Air-to-add-bases-at-Madrid-and-Valencia-airports). Wizz Air will open bases at Valencia and Madrid in early November, launching new domestic Spanish and international routes. The Madrid base will also support increased frequencies to Milan, Rome and London Luton.
- 3 September 2026, gbnews.com: [Wizz Air announces extra flights to European hotspots ahead of key English football matches](https://www.gbnews.com/travel/wizz-air-new-routes-europe-football). Wizz Air has scheduled additional London Luton flights to Prague, Seville, Istanbul, Madrid and Barcelona around English clubs' European fixtures between October 2026 and January 2027. The carrier says the services are designed to give supporters convenient matchday travel options.

Notable negative coverage:

- 17 September 2026, dawn.com: [Wizz Air cuts capacity forecast as Iran war fuels industry's cost crunch](https://www.dawn.com/news/2030607). Wizz Air cut planned second-half capacity by 5% amid sharply higher fuel costs linked to the Iran war. The report describes broader airline cost pressures and scaling back of growth plans.
- 30 September 2026, bbc.com: [Doncaster para-snooker player missed flight over hoist issue](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cklyje1v0g0lo). A disabled para-snooker player missed a Wizz Air flight from Luton after his pre-notified travel hoist was rejected as too heavy. Wizz Air apologised, rebooked him and his carer free of charge, and said it was reviewing its assistance processes.
- 28 September 2026, romania-insider.com: [Low-cost airline Wizz Air suspends several routes from Romania’s Craiova Airport](https://www.romania-insider.com/business/low-cost-airline-wizz-air-suspends-several-routes-romanias). Wizz Air will remove an aircraft from its Craiova base, suspend several routes and reduce frequencies including services to London Luton and Birmingham. The carrier is also reported to be reducing Romanian capacity and planning collective redundancies amid weaker demand and fare pressure.

- [Wizz Air UK deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09?entity=wizzairuk&view=deep-dive)
- [Wizz Air UK PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09/reports/wizzairuk.pdf)

### Virgin Atlantic

**Virgin Atlantic pairs Asian expansion with premium investment**

Virgin Atlantic ranked 6th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (5.4%) in the UK Airlines benchmark for September 2026, with 161 mentions and a net tone of −13.

Virgin Atlantic’s September coverage featured its first Southeast Asian route, with a three-times-weekly Heathrow–Phuket service scheduled to begin on 18 October, alongside retrospective reporting on Heathrow–Seoul flights, launched on 29 March. The carrier ranked sixth with 161 mentions, representing 5.4% of tracked-company mentions. Disruption was the largest subject with 42 mentions, followed by passenger experience and customer service with 28, routes and network capacity with 22, and safety and incidents with 18. Operational reporting included the safe precautionary return of a London-bound flight to Bengaluru after a technical issue, a Manchester–New York service returning safely after declaring an emergency, and an Orlando–Manchester flight diverting to Liverpool. Product and fleet developments included completed Starlink installation across the A350 fleet, planned cabin and lounge upgrades, the sale of two Boeing 787-9s and further A330neo deployment with expanded premium cabins. Corporate coverage also included Virgin Atlantic replacing British Airways as Team GB’s official airline for the LA 2028 Olympics and appointing Richard McCord as chief financial officer.

Key messages:

- Virgin Atlantic accounted for 5.4% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #6 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes and Passenger Experience & Customer Service.
- 161 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Virgin Atlantic’s direct Heathrow–Phuket service — Travel Daily Media

Leading themes:

- Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes: 26.1% of Virgin Atlantic's coverage (theme index 0.53, net tone −83)
- Passenger Experience & Customer Service: 17.4% of Virgin Atlantic's coverage (theme index 2.79, net tone +71)
- Routes, Network & Capacity: 13.7% of Virgin Atlantic's coverage (theme index 0.94, net tone +9)

Notable positive coverage:

- 3 September 2026, travelweekly.co.uk: [Virgin Atlantic appoints Richard McCord as new chief financial officer](https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/virgin-atlantic-appoints-richard-mccord-as-new-chief-financial-officer). Virgin Atlantic has appointed London Luton Airport CFO Richard McCord as chief financial officer, effective October 5. He will oversee finance, procurement, fleet and related functions as the airline pursues profitable growth.
- 4 September 2026, cityam.com: [Virgin Atlantic ends British Airways grip on Team GB partnership](https://www.cityam.com/virgin-atlantic-ends-british-airways-grip-on-team-gb-partnership/). Virgin Atlantic has become Team GB's official airline for the LA 2028 Olympics, replacing British Airways after its 20-year partnership. Virgin Atlantic Holidays will also offer Olympics-related trips to California.
- 4 September 2026, breakingtravelnews.com: [Virgin Atlantic appoints Richard McCord as Chief Financial Officer](https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/virgin-atlantic-appoints-richard-mccord-as-chief-financial-officer/). Virgin Atlantic has appointed Richard McCord as CFO from 5 October 2026. He joins from London Luton Airport and will oversee finance, treasury, procurement, fleet, insurance and internal audit.

Notable negative coverage:

- 18 September 2026, mirror.co.uk: [Virgin Atlantic flight declares mid-air emergency over UK moments after take-off](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/vs127-virgin-atlantic-emergency-manchester-37679218). Virgin Atlantic flight VS127 returned safely to Manchester shortly after departing for New York following an emergency declaration. Flight-tracking reports attributed the diversion to an engine failure.
- 7 September 2026, mirror.co.uk: [UK-bound flight with 270 passengers forced into emergency landing](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/virgin-atlantic-london-flight-emergency-37636831). Virgin Atlantic flight VS317 from Bengaluru to London Heathrow returned safely to Bengaluru shortly after departure because of a technical issue. The flight was cancelled and the airline said affected customers were being rebooked.
- 7 September 2026, rsvplive.ie: [Flight with 270 passengers forced to make emergency landing moments after take-off](https://www.rsvplive.ie/news/uk-world-news/flight-270-passengers-forced-make-37637096). Virgin Atlantic flight VS317 returned to Bengaluru after its crew identified a technical fault shortly after departure for Heathrow. The precautionary landing was safe, but the flight was cancelled and passengers were being rebooked.

- [Virgin Atlantic deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09?entity=virginatlantic&view=deep-dive)
- [Virgin Atlantic PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09/reports/virginatlantic.pdf)

### TUI Airways

**Route expansion broadens TUI Airways’ September profile**

TUI Airways ranked 7th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (5.0%) in the UK Airlines benchmark for September 2026, with 150 mentions and a net tone of −29.

Independent reporting led with TUI Airways’ announcement of 25 summer 2027 routes across its European airline network and approximately 640,000 additional seats, including eight new destinations from Gatwick. The carrier ranked seventh with 150 mentions, representing 5% of tracked-company mentions. Disruption dominated the subject mix with 72 mentions, including a nine-hour Birmingham–Rhodes delay during nationwide air-traffic-control disruption, while routes, network and capacity accounted for 36. Safety and incidents generated 11 mentions, notably after a bird strike forced a Cardiff–Paphos flight to return safely, with no injuries reported. Passenger experience and customer service contributed 10 mentions, spanning the TUI Smiles Rewards launch and complaints from customers affected by a Croatian wildfire, to which TUI said local teams provided support. Other company-focused reporting covered regional winter ski services, calls for an Air Passenger Duty freeze and narrower TUI group profit guidance amid cautious bookings and higher fuel costs.

Key messages:

- TUI Airways accounted for 5% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #7 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes and Routes, Network & Capacity.
- 150 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- TUI’s 25-route European summer 2027 expansion, including eight Gatwick destinations — Travel Radar

Leading themes:

- Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes: 48.0% of TUI Airways's coverage (theme index 1.01, net tone −85)
- Routes, Network & Capacity: 24.0% of TUI Airways's coverage (theme index 1.72, net tone +69)
- Safety & Incidents: 7.3% of TUI Airways's coverage (theme index 1.07, net tone −82)

Notable positive coverage:

- 30 September 2026, travelradar.aero: [TUI Airways Announced 25 New Routes for 2027](https://travelradar.aero/tui-airways-announced-25-new-routes-for-2027/). TUI Airways announced 25 new summer 2027 routes and approximately 640,000 additional seats, a 4.6% capacity increase. Gatwick gains eight destinations while TUI reduces services at Luton and Dublin as it concentrates operations at larger hubs.
- 10 September 2026, gbnews.com: [TUI rolls out first rewards scheme giving Britons holiday discounts, free perks and more](https://www.gbnews.com/travel/tui-smiles-rewards-holiday-discounts). TUI has launched its TUI Smiles Rewards programme in the UK and Ireland, offering discounts, partner deals, games and travel-related perks. Customers can earn rewards through bookings including TUI holidays and TUI Airways flights.
- 2 September 2026, gbnews.com: [Ski holidays: British holidaymakers get more ways to hit the slopes as six new regional ski routes announced](https://www.gbnews.com/travel/ski-holidays-uk-innsbruck-toulouse). Crystal Ski Holidays has announced six new TUI Airways regional UK ski routes for winter 2027, linking airports including Belfast, Bournemouth, Bristol, East Midlands and Newcastle with Alpine and Lapland destinations. The additions expand access to ski packages from regional airports.

Notable negative coverage:

- 16 September 2026, metro.co.uk: [Holidaymakers run into sea as they watch resort go up in flames](https://metro.co.uk/2026/09/16/holidaymakers-run-sea-watch-resort-go-flames-29621730/). Guests at a Croatian resort affected by a wildfire alleged inadequate evacuation support, with many having booked through TUI. TUI said its local teams were supporting affected customers alongside the hotel and authorities.
- 14 September 2026, dailymail.com: [British tourists are forced to flee Croatian holiday island on little boats during raging wildfires](https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16130929/British-tourists-forced-flee-Croatian-holiday-island-little-boats-raging-wildfires.html). British holidaymakers alleged that TUI did not provide timely evacuation support during wildfires on Croatia's Brac island. TUI said customer safety was its priority and that local teams were supporting affected customers.
- 10 September 2026, mirror.co.uk: [TUI flight declares mid-air emergency as engine bursts into flames at UK airport](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tui-cardiff-airport-flight-emergency-37648719). A TUI flight from Cardiff to Paphos returned safely after striking birds shortly after take-off, with flames reported from an engine. Cardiff Airport said all passengers and crew were safe and the service was rescheduled.

- [TUI Airways deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09?entity=tuiairways&view=deep-dive)
- [TUI Airways PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09/reports/tuiairways.pdf)

### Loganair

**Route reset and disruption define Loganair’s September profile**

Loganair ranked 8th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (2.4%) in the UK Airlines benchmark for September 2026, with 72 mentions and a net tone of −42.

Disruption dominated Loganair’s September coverage, while its decision to end the Isle of Man–London City route and increase weekday Heathrow services was a leading named development reported by the BBC. The carrier recorded 72 mentions, representing 2.4% of tracked-company mentions and placing it eighth. Disruption accounted for 34 mentions, followed by routes, network and capacity with nine, policy and regulation with eight, and passenger experience and customer service with six. Stories included the cancellation of eight Jersey services during the NATS technical failure and Loganair’s efforts to clear a backlog of compensation and reimbursement claims after earlier weather-related disruption. Affordability and pricing also featured through increased costs for Scotland’s Air Discount Scheme, the proposed free annual flight for island residents, free child fares and the extension of the Tartan sale after a website failure. Beyond operational and affordability issues, Loganair agreed a three-year partnership with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra to support performances and music activities across Scotland’s islands.

Key messages:

- Loganair accounted for 2.4% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #8 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes and Routes, Network & Capacity.
- 72 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Isle of Man–London City route closure and planned increase in Heathrow services — BBC

Leading themes:

- Disruption: Delays, Cancellations & Strikes: 47.2% of Loganair's coverage (theme index 0.99, net tone −82)
- Routes, Network & Capacity: 12.5% of Loganair's coverage (theme index 0.86, net tone −22)
- Policy, Regulation & CAA: 11.1% of Loganair's coverage (theme index 2.09, net tone −37)

Notable positive coverage:

- 8 September 2026, shetnews.co.uk: [NorthLink opens 2027 bookings - while Loganair offers sale](https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2026/09/08/northlink-opens-2027-bookings-loganair/). Loganair launched its summer 2027 schedule alongside a 17% autumn sale and a promotion offering fare-free travel for children aged 11 and under with a full-fare-paying adult. Taxes and surcharges still apply to child bookings.
- 26 September 2026, traveldailymedia.com: [Loganair partners with RSNO for island performances](https://www.traveldailymedia.com/loganair-partners-with-rsno-for-island-performances/). Loganair has agreed a three-year partnership with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra to support performances, workshops and music activities across Scotland's islands. The airline will transport musicians from Glasgow to communities including Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.
- 11 September 2026, thescottishsun.co.uk: [Scottish airline launches huge autumn sale with flights slashed by nearly 20 per cent](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/travel/16808204/scottish-airline-launches-huge-autumn-sale-flights-slashed/). Loganair launched an autumn promotion offering 17% off fares across its network for travel from 1 October, with free travel for eligible accompanied children. The sale also applies to its newly released summer 2027 schedule.

Notable negative coverage:

- 3 September 2026, thisismoney.co.uk: [We were flying home to Edinburgh with Loganair but it abandoned us... in Birmingham: CRANE ON THE CASE](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/holidays/article-16099387/We-flying-home-Edinburgh-Loganair-abandoned-Birmingham-CRANE-CASE.html). A Loganair passenger whose Isle of Man-Edinburgh flight was cancelled says the airline failed to provide promised onward transport from Birmingham and did not respond promptly to reimbursement claims. Following intervention, Loganair offered statutory cancellation compensation or loyalty points, though reimbursement issues remained disputed.
- 22 September 2026, shetlandtimes.co.uk: [Crucial lifeline air links to be focus of discussion at summit](https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/crucial-lifeline-air-links-to-be-focus-of-discussion-at-summ-445626/). A Highlands and Islands aviation summit will consider reforms to secure reliable and affordable lifeline air services for island communities. The discussion follows concern over Loganair's Inverness-Shetland service changes, which were temporarily supported by Scottish Government funding.
- 21 September 2026, edp24.co.uk: [Flight from Norwich Airport delayed amid air traffic control issues](https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/26566684.norwich-aberdeen-flight-delayed-amid-air-traffic-control-issue/). A Loganair Norwich-Aberdeen service departed nearly four hours late amid the NATS Prestwick air-traffic-control issue. The carrier had also cancelled ten flights because of the disruption.

- [Loganair deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09?entity=loganair&view=deep-dive)
- [Loganair PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09/reports/loganair.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Airlines editions

- [UK airlines media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK airlines media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-h1.md)
- [UK airlines media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-07.md)
- [UK airlines media reputation tracker – August 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-08.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK airlines media reputation tracker", September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026), published 4 October 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-airlines-2026-09