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.
Operational excellence amid industry challenges
European aviation has faced persistent delays and staff shortages, especially since the pandemic. However, Wizz Air boasts that 80% of its flights to and from Romania arrive on time—a figure that ranks among the best in Europe. The airline has achieved a 99.8% flight completion rate in the country, rarely cancelling flights even amid industry disruptions caused by weather, strikes, or air traffic control shortages. Still, Váradi cautions that the summer season will be a true test, as increased traffic and ongoing airport staffing issues could pose challenges.
Digital transformation and the role of AI
Wizz Air is at the forefront of digital innovation, with over 90% of its passengers already using digital boarding passes. The airline expects to phase out paper tickets entirely in the near future. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a growing role in the Hungarian airline’s operations, from financial management to fleet optimisation and customer service. The company has used chatbots for years and continues to expand AI applications, but Váradi insists that human agents will remain essential for complex or sensitive customer issues.
A new era for air travel in Romania
With its aggressive expansion, technological advancements, and focus on customer experience, Wizz is reshaping the Romanian aviation landscape. As Váradi puts it, while Wizz Air may not be Romania’s official flag carrier, it has become the “de facto national airline”—a testament to its deep commitment to the market and its passengers.
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