Vueling Airlines Logo

Vueling Airlines, born from the innovative minds of Carlos Muñoz and Lázaro Ros, took its first breath in Barcelona in 2004. Having observed a gap in the Spanish market for quality low-cost air travel, the duo established an airline that would redefine budget flying.

On July 1, 2004, the maiden voyage lifted off, transporting passengers from Barcelona to Ibiza, symbolizing the airline’s official launch. In its inaugural year, the brand operated with two leased Airbus A320s, covering five routes from its Barcelona base.

2005 marked the beginning of the company’s ambitious expansion. The airline introduced new routes connecting Barcelona to European hubs like Paris and Brussels. That same year, Madrid became home to its second base, signifying its growing footprint.

A major milestone was achieved in 2006 when the airline went public, listing its shares on the Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Valencia stock exchanges. This move established the company as the first European low-cost carrier to be publicly traded.

The growth trajectory continued in 2007 with the establishment of additional bases in Seville and Malaga. By this time, the fleet had grown to 24 aircraft, servicing 50 routes.

A significant chapter unfolded in 2009 with the merger of the brand and Clickair, another Spanish budget airline. This consolidation strengthened its market presence, positioning it as the second-largest airline in Spain, trailing only Iberia.

2010, the company launched its first international base in Amsterdam, marking the airline’s foray into the broader European market.

The Italian expansion in 2012 saw the opening of a base in Rome and a substantial increase in routes within Italy. This year underscored the brand’s commitment to becoming a pan-European carrier.

In a landmark development in 2013, International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, acquired a controlling stake. This integration into IAG significantly bolstered the market position.

In 2014, the aviation firm modernized its fleet by acquiring its first Airbus A320neo, making it one of the early adopters of this fuel-efficient aircraft.

Growth momentum continued through the following years. By 2018, the company operated over 130 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, highlighting its extensive network. Although it is the second largest airline in Spain, second only to Iberia, it competes with other low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet.

2019 was a banner year, transporting over 34 million passengers, cementing its status as one of Europe’s largest low-cost carriers.

Entering 2020, the aviation operator boasted a fleet of over 120 aircraft, predominantly from the Airbus A320 family, reflecting its evolution from a fledgling airline to a major player in the budget aviation sector.