Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air has reported a sharp decline in profits for the first half of its 2026–27 financial year, as soaring fuel costs and disruption caused by conflict in the Middle East weighed on its performance. Despite carrying a record number of passengers and increasing revenue, the airline’s net profit fell by almost 67 per cent year on year.
Record passenger numbers, but higher operating costs
In its results for the six months to 30 September, Wizz Air reported net profit of EUR 108.1 million, down from EUR 323.5 million in the same period a year earlier. Revenue, however, increased by 13.8 per cent to EUR 3.8 billion. The biggest pressure came from fuel expenditure, which rose by 33.7 per cent to EUR 1.24 billion.
The airline’s operating profit dropped by 39.8 per cent to EUR 264.5 million, while EBITDA declined by 6 per cent to EUR 922.4 million. Following the announcement, Wizz Air shares fell by 4.4 per cent on the London Stock Exchange.
Between April and September, the airline carried 46.1 million passengers, a 26.2 per cent increase compared with the 36.5 million recorded in the corresponding period last year. Its average load factor remained high at 92.5 per cent.
The company said fuel costs per available seat kilometre had increased by 14.5 per cent, although non-fuel unit costs fell slightly. Wizz Air has hedged 82 per cent of its fuel requirements for the second half of the financial year, at prices of up to USD 860 (around EUR 778) per tonne.
Operational difficulties also continued to affect the fleet. At the end of September, 22 aircraft remained grounded because of inspections and maintenance work involving Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, although this was an improvement on the 35 aircraft affected a year earlier. The airline expects the problem to be resolved by the end of 2027.
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Summer recovery and expansion plans
The airline’s performance improved considerably after a difficult first quarter, when it recorded a EUR 198 million loss amid disruption linked to the conflict in the Middle East. During the July–September quarter, operating profit rose by 8.8 per cent to EUR 447.8 million, while net profit increased by 7.4 per cent to EUR 306.3 million.
Wizz Air chief executive József Váradi said demand remained strong and operational efficiency had improved. The airline operated 23 per cent more flights, reduced cancellations and raised its on-time performance rate to above 70 per cent.
The company is also seeking to expand into markets where competitors have withdrawn or reduced capacity. Its plans include opening a tenth Romanian base in Brașov in December and increasing its presence in Chișinău, the Baltic states and the Balkans.
Wizz Air’s fleet stood at 276 aircraft at the end of September, with newer-generation models accounting for 74 per cent of its seat capacity. The airline is counting on further growth, even as rising costs continue to challenge profitability.
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