New Delhi, Jan. 14 -- Few industries anywhere in the world suffered the reputational damage that India's airlines did in 2025. As the industry looks to reset, there is no better role model than Ryanair, the European low-cost carrier that is the most efficient and profitable airline in the world. Its profit-after-tax margin for the six months ended 30 September was 25.9%, well ahead of Emirates' 15.1%. Moreover, it flies four times as many passengers as Emirates does.

Ryanair's strength is its operational efficiency. Having learnt its business model from the US budget carrier Southwest Airlines more than three decades ago, the Dublin-headquartered airline has taken its obsession with lowering costs to new levels. As its CEO, Michael O'Lea...