End of an era: Wizz Air significantly increases prices – EUR 10–15 tickets disappear
Wizz Air has informed its passengers of a disappointing change: it will no longer sell its cheapest tickets for EUR 10–15. From 29 April, the lowest fare offered by the Hungarian low-cost airline is EUR 17.99. However, the number of destinations available at this price is limited.
Wizz Air increases the discount threshold for club members
According to okosutas.hu, technically, the change is attached to a modification in the Wizz Discount Club scheme. Members received a EUR 10 discount for tickets sold for EUR 19.99 or more. From 29 April, that threshold rose to EUR 29.99. the change is technically tied to a modification in the scheme. Previously, members received a EUR 10 discount on tickets priced at EUR 19.99 or above. From 29 April, that threshold has risen to EUR 29.99.
As a result, EUR 29.99 tickets now cost EUR 19.99 for club members, just like tickets priced at EUR 24.99, EUR 21.99, and EUR 19.99 did previously. Following the changes, the cheapest tickets offered by Wizz Air now cost EUR 17.99, regardless of whether the passenger is a Wizz Discount Club member. Hungarian passengers may book these fares to destinations such as Milan, Italy.
Ryanair now offers the cheapest tickets
According to okosutas.hu, the price increase for club members is a deliberate move by the Hungarian airline. The outlet noted that many EUR 14.99 discounted tickets were previously available to club members. Outside peak times, about half of the destinations from Budapest Airport could be reached with such fares. From 29 April, those tickets will cost EUR 24.99.
The publication added that Wizz Air’s pricing algorithm may reduce fares if sales for a particular flight decline. Therefore, it is possible that prices could drop to EUR 17.99 – the new base rate – though this fare is not eligible for any club discount.
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Interestingly, the change effectively cedes the lowest fare category to Ryanair, Wizz Air’s main regional competitor. The Irish low-cost carrier continues to offer EUR 14.99 and EUR 16.99 tickets to various destinations, and these fares are available to all passengers without the need for registration or membership.
Ambitious plans for 2025
József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air, announced plans for a 20% expansion in 2025 – an unprecedented increase. He stated that the airline aims to serve at least 75 million passengers this year. Among Wizz Air’s competitive advantages, Váradi highlighted the delivery of 40 brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft scheduled for this year. He also pointed out that Ryanair, their main competitor, will not have access to such a large number of new aircraft.
Váradi described the acquisition of Budapest Airport as a strategically sound decision and expressed hope for the implementation of the proposed plans. He added that he was very proud that Wizz Air had become one of the world’s top five safest airlines, according to a 2024 Airlineratings survey.
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