Wizz Air CEO’s big announcements: Fewer flight cancellations, more destinations
Wizz Air CEO József Váradi told Pénzcentrum in an interview that the summer of 2025 went much more smoothly than last year’s chaotic season. The airline cancelled very few flights this year, improved schedule reliability, and passengers experienced fewer disruptions. According to Váradi, this was thanks to Wizz Air deploying more backup aircraft, pilots, cabin crew, and spare parts—allowing them to respond quickly to any issues.
Flights to Israel resume
Operations were repeatedly disrupted last year due to tensions in the Middle East, but the Budapest–Tel Aviv route resumed in August, and the full Israeli network is expected to be restored by September. In the interview, Váradi noted that the destination is currently safe and in high demand. However, Ukraine remains off-limits to the airline and will only be resumed after the war ends or a ceasefire is declared.
Moderated growth, still at record pace
The airline has scaled back slightly from its previous 20% annual growth target and is now aiming for 10–12% yearly expansion, which still translates to nearly 10 million additional passengers per year. The change is primarily due to ongoing engine issues: dozens of aircraft have been grounded because of faulty Pratt & Whitney turbines. The situation may persist into 2026 or 2027, but Wizz Air has purchased 80 spare engines—worth approximately $4 billion—to bring planes back into service faster.
Strategic shift: Central and Eastern Europe in focus
The company withdrew from the Abu Dhabi market and is redirecting that capacity toward Central and Eastern Europe. A new base is set to open in Bratislava, and the airline is also launching service at second airports in both Bucharest and Warsaw. Wizz Air’s goal is to boost its market share in the region from 25% to over 30%.
What this means for passengers
- Fewer flight cancellations and better schedule reliability, thanks to improved operational stability supported by extra capacity.
- Israel is once again accessible from Budapest, and high demand could lead to more frequent flights.
- Expanded offerings in Central and Eastern Europe, with new routes and increased frequencies.
- Ukraine remains off-limits until the war is over.
Although Wizz Air’s stock price has recently taken a hit, Váradi believes the challenges are easing and the airline is back on a solid growth track. For passengers, the key message is clear: after years of turmoil, Wizz Air is prioritising reliability and strengthening its presence in the region.
Read more Wizz Air-related news on Daily News Hungary.
Read also:
- Grand Wizz Air announcement: new base and 12 new flights near Budapest
- Wizz Air to launch domestic flights in this European country after several years!
To read or share this article in Hungarian, click here: Helló Magyar