Low-cost carrier Wizz Air has announced a series of extraordinary measures ahead of what it expects to be its busiest summer season on record, while urging passengers to arrive at airports earlier than usual.
The airline said it will operate around 1,200 flights per day during the peak summer period and is preparing for a sharp increase in demand with 15 new routes, 19 additional aircraft and nearly three million extra seats. According to the company, this represents approximately 30% growth compared with the same period last year. With air travel expected to reach record levels across Europe, Wizz Air said it is taking additional steps to minimise disruption and improve operational reliability during the busy holiday season.
Passengers asked to arrive at least two hours before departure
The airline is advising travellers to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time. Wizz Air also reminded passengers to familiarise themselves with baggage rules before travelling. To speed up boarding, larger cabin bags should be placed in overhead lockers, while smaller items should be stored under the seat in front.
Passengers are also encouraged to sit in their assigned seats to avoid delays during boarding. The carrier noted that millions of Hungarians are expected to travel this summer, particularly to Mediterranean destinations, although interest in northern European countries is also growing.
AI systems and special operations team on standby
To cope with the pressures of the summer season, Wizz Air is reinstating its expanded summer operations task force at its operations control centre. The team will monitor flights around the clock and remain in constant contact with customer service departments, ground handling staff and communications teams to respond quickly to any disruptions.
The airline is also using artificial intelligence-supported systems to improve operational efficiency, particularly during periods of severe weather, which often affect European air traffic during the summer months. In cooperation with Hungary’s air navigation service provider, some early morning departures will once again be scheduled earlier than usual. According to Wizz Air, this helps stabilise flight schedules throughout the day and reduces the risk of delays spreading across the network.
New delay assistance service introduced
Among the new features launched for the summer season is a Delay Assistance service, which passengers can purchase during booking. The system automatically monitors flight status and notifies travellers if their flight is delayed by more than two hours or cancelled. It then provides access to a simplified rebooking platform where passengers can switch to an alternative flight to their destination free of charge up to a specified value.
If the proposed alternatives are unsuitable, affected passengers can receive a full refund for both their ticket and additional services purchased, including Wizz Priority and checked baggage, while still retaining the right to use their original booking.
New Wizz Link feature and strong punctuality figures
The airline has also introduced Wizz Link, a service allowing passengers with separate bookings to manage multiple journeys in a single place. Meanwhile, the company’s latest operational figures suggest a strong start to the summer. Wizz Air reported a flight completion rate of 99.99% across its network in May, while 82.67% of flights arrived within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time.
The airline currently operates a fleet of 269 aircraft and serves nearly 200 destinations across multiple continents. During the summer months, more than 4,000 cabin crew members, alongside thousands of engineers and operational staff, will help manage an average of 1,200 flights every day.
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