The Wizz Air-Ryanair battle for Europe continues with new flights to Poland

Irish carrier Ryanair and Hungary-based Wizz Air find themselves entangled in a six-way battle for European passengers. CEO Michael O’Leary told Reuters that they currently operate from more than a dozen Polish airports.

“When we go up against Wizz Air, we generally have significantly lower fares and much lower costs” stated O’Leary regarding the ongoing price war. O’Leary further revealed plans for the airline to operate a total of 400 new aircraft over the next eight years, with 180 of them serving Central and Eastern Europe.

Jószef Váradi, the CEO of Wizz Air, has declared that they are prepared to challenge the Irish airline. Wizz Air is set to introduce 35 new aircraft in Poland. “We are envisioning double-digit annual growth within the region for the next seven to eight years,” Váradi stressed.

According to data from the analytical firm IBA, low-cost carriers now hold over 59% of the Polish air transport market, a significant increase from 31% just two years ago. Ryanair’s focus primarily lies on regional airports, while Wizz Air predominantly operates from Warsaw.

The Polish and Eastern European markets hold particular importance as there is less regulation concerning domestic travel compared to the heightened focus on raising ticket prices and protecting bus and rail operators in Italy and France.

Both Ryanair and Wizz Air regard the acquisition of new aircraft as the cornerstone of their expansion, as reported by economx.hu. “Currently, we have 64 aircraft in the region. We anticipate doubling the fleet in the next decade. If we presently accommodate around 30 million passengers in the region, we project to reach 60 million,” stated Ryanair’s Poland Head.

József Váradi asserted that the conflict in Ukraine, bordering Poland, has not deterred the desire for travel.

“In the end, as long as economies thrive, GDP increases, consumers will enjoy greater disposable income and airlines will continue to prosper. That is what we are witnessing and expect to persist,” explained Váradi.