Hungarian Wizz Air to conquer India

In a strategic move that has taken many by surprise, Wizz Air is gearing up to make a significant mark in the Indian aviation industry. The airline seems to be exploring various scenarios to conquer Indian airspace, and recent developments suggest that this might happen sooner than anticipated.

License approval and future challenges

As mentioned in Budflyer’s recent Facebook post, Wizz Air’s Maltese subsidiary has recently secured a license from ENAC, the Italian National Civil Aviation Organisation. This license grants permission for the operation of up to 7 flights per week between Italy and India. However, there is a catch – the license is currently valid only for the upcoming 2023/2024 winter season. This limited timeframe adds an element of urgency to Wizz Air’s plans for expansion in the Indian market.

Despite obtaining the license, Wizz Air faces some significant hurdles in executing its Indian venture seamlessly. Notably, the airline does not possess an aircraft capable of covering the considerable distance between Italy and India without the need for a layover. Adding to this difficulty is the postponed arrival of the A321XLR aircraft, a plane that Wizz Air had designated for its long-haul operations.

Technical assistance form the Middle East

To overcome the existing constraints on aircraft, industry insiders propose that Wizz Air may opt for introducing layover flights as a temporary measure during the initial stages of entering the Indian market. This temporary approach allows the airline to kickstart operations while awaiting the delivery of the A321XLR, a long-range, narrow-body aircraft that promises enhanced efficiency.