The development of low-cost airlines has revolutionised the aviation industry in Europe. Driven by the demand for cheap travel and the deregulation of the European air transport market, operators such as Ryanair, EasyJet and Wizz Air have fundamentally changed the way we fly. This article looks at the historical development of low-cost airlines, their expansion strategies and the significant impact they have had on traditional network carriers. It also explains why some airlines failed and had to file for bankruptcy. Historical development The history of low-cost airlines in Europe began in the 1990s. Ryanair, founded in Ireland in 1985, took the business model of the American Southwest Airlines as a model and was the first to offer cheap flights within Europe. EasyJet followed in the UK in 1995 and also relied on a low-price concept. These early operators changed the market through cost-effective operating structures, high efficiency and aggressive pricing policies. Other operators such as Buzz, Go Fly and Debonair also tried to establish themselves in the market, but disappeared after a few years, often due to financial difficulties or takeovers by larger competitors. Despite these challenges, the low-cost airline market in Europe remained dynamic and grew steadily. Expansion of Ryanair, EasyJet and Wizz Air Ryanair, EasyJet and Wizz Air were able to expand strongly by pursuing a number of strategies: 1. Cost control: These airlines optimized their operational processes and relied on high utilization of their aircraft. They often flew to secondary airports that charged lower fees. 2. Fleet management: By using uniform aircraft types, they reduced maintenance costs and training costs for the crew. 3. Ancillary services: They offered low base prices and monetized ancillary services such as baggage, seat reservations and