Wizz Air gives up base in European capital and terminates multiple flights
Wizz Air recently announced a shift away from its Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets in favour of its traditional footprint in Central and Eastern Europe. As part of this move, the airline revealed plans to open a new base in Bratislava: a decision warmly welcomed locally, with expectations of a significant rise in passenger traffic at Slovakia’s capital airport. The other side of this strategy has only now been disclosed: Wizz Air will pull out of Vienna.
Wizz Air leaves Vienna by March
According to Airportal, the Hungarian low-cost carrier has a base at Vienna-Schwechat, a location of historical relevance to the 1848–49 Hungarian revolution and war of independence. However, Wizz Air has now decided to withdraw from the Austrian base by 15 March next year. The first two aircraft will be relocated as early as 26 October, along with the suspension of routes to Bilbao and London.
Withdrawal plans for the remaining three aircraft have not been finalised, but the airline states that all five planes will be removed from Schwechat by 15 March, effectively ending all associated routes.
- Good news for travellers: another direct flight launched between Budapest and America!
What does the airline offer for the passengers and crew?
According to the Hungarian carrier, passengers can either rebook their flights or receive a refund in the form of Wizz credits. This policy has sparked criticism from many commenters who find it unacceptable. Employees at the Vienna base may be offered positions elsewhere within the company, or alternative roles, provided such opportunities exist. However, this raises the question of whether they will be able to disrupt their current lives and relocate as required.
Earlier this year, Wizz Air announced it would open a Bratislava base during the summer, deploying two modern Airbus A321neo aircraft. The geographic shift is minimal: the two cities are just 70 kilometres apart by road. The carrier plans to launch 13 new routes from the capital of Slovakia, once the former seat of the Hungarian parliament, thereby boosting the airport’s traffic by an estimated 50%. This could pose competition for Budapest, especially among travellers from or to northwestern Hungary. The airline also announced a domestic route from Bratislava.
- Major announcement: Wizz Air opens a new base close to Budapest and introduces 12 new routes!
Why is Wizz Air leaving Austria?
According to a statement on the Wizz Air website, the Vienna base, launched in 2018, housed five Airbus A321neo aircraft operating flights to 28 cities across 20 countries. However, costs at Vienna International Airport have continued to rise. In addition, ground handling fees and various taxes have significantly increased. The budget airline states it simply cannot expand in Europe while maintaining competitive fares if it stays at an airport with such high operating costs.
In short, the move appears to stem from Vienna’s higher cost levels. Instead, the Hungarian low-cost carrier is shifting operations to a more affordable, eastward location. Nevertheless, Wizz Air says it will continue to serve its valued Austrian customers via Bratislava or Budapest.
For more travel-related news, click here.
Featured image: depositphotos.com
To read or share this article in Hungarian, click here: Helló Magyar