Wizz Air hit with massive fine in a European country over its “All You Can Fly” subscription
Italy’s competition authority (AGCM) has imposed a fine of EUR 500,000 – roughly HUF 192 million – on Wizz Air, stating that the airline engaged in unfair commercial practices while promoting its “All You Can Fly” subscription. According to the authority, the product was advertised as offering unlimited flights, even though several important restrictions were not clearly or promptly communicated to consumers.
Unlimited, yet not quite: Key details were withheld
The subscription allowed customers to use Wizz Air’s international routes for a fixed fee of EUR 599 – or EUR 499 during the early promotional period. However, the investigation found that the package was subject to numerous conditions, about which consumers received incomplete, ambiguous or outdated information.
According to the authority, the following issues were among the most problematic:
- passengers were not properly informed about the booking time window (for example, that seat selection on certain flights was only possible within 72 hours of departure),
- only a limited number and type of seats were available to subscribers on specific routes,
- other essential terms of use were not communicated clearly.
The AGCM also ruled that several clauses in the General Terms and Conditions were unfair, as Wizz Air could unilaterally modify or even discontinue the service without justification, while passengers’ cancellation or refund rights were significantly restricted, MarketScreener reported.
As part of the sanction, the airline must publish an extract of the authority’s decision on its own website.
Not the first fine: Hungary also took action last year
In 2024, Hungary’s Competition Authority (GVH) also imposed a substantial penalty on Wizz Air, fining the company HUF 307 million for violating rules on unfair commercial practices. The GVH concluded that between 2018 and 2024 the airline had failed to inform passengers that certain additional services – such as Wizz Priority or checked baggage – could be purchased separately, steering customers towards more expensive bundles. It also provided misleading information about the features of automatic check-in.
At the time, the GVH rejected the commitments proposed by the airline, stressing that transparency and clear information are fundamental requirements in the aviation sector. Wizz Air disputed the legitimacy of the fine but said it had amended its booking process and had been prepared to offer compensation to affected passengers.
The decision also impacted the share price
According to MarketScreener, Wizz Air Holdings’ share price fell by 0.8% in London trading following the announcement. Investors appeared to react sensitively to the latest wave of legal and consumer protection concerns facing the company.
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