Wizz Air’s bold expansion in Romania: Becoming the country’s de facto national airline

Wizz Air, the Budapest-based low-cost carrier, is making major strides in Romania, positioning itself not just as a market leader but as the country’s de facto national airline. In a recent interview with Hotnews.ro, CEO József Váradi outlined the airline’s ambitious plans for expansion, operational improvements, and digital transformation in Romania–one of Wizz Air’s most strategic European markets.

Fleet expansion and growth plans towards the Middle East

Romania has emerged as a cornerstone for Wizz Air’s European operations. According to Hotnews.ro, the airline currently operates flights from 13 Romanian airports to 24 countries, covering 175 routes and having transported 13 million passengers to and from Romania last year. With a commanding 55% market share, Wizz Air is already the leading airline in the country.

Looking ahead, the company plans to add 11 new aircraft to its Romanian fleet, bringing the total to 50 within two to three years. This expansion will not only increase capacity but also create new jobs and support the local economy. The airline is also launching new routes, including longer flights of up to eight hours, with a continued focus on Europe and the Middle East. While internal Romanian flights are not a current priority, the company remains open to future opportunities if market conditions change.

Ticket pricing and passenger demand

Despite global inflation and rising costs, Váradi emphasised that Wizz Air has managed to keep ticket price increases below those seen in other sectors such as hotels, restaurants, and energy. The average fare has risen, but less dramatically than other travel-related expenses. This strategy has paid off: Romania has seen a 15% increase in ticket sales compared to last year, reflecting strong demand as people remain eager to travel.