Wizz Air to slash number of flights from major UK airport as it's 'too expensive'

Wizz Air is set to decrease its flight operations from London Gatwick Airport, citing high operational costs as the primary driver. József Váradi, CEO of the Hungarian budget carrier, stated that the airline is currently losing money at Gatwick due to unfavorable slot allocations and overall expenses. The airline intends to reallocate capacity to London Luton Airport, where it anticipates improved financial performance due to lower overheads. The initial phase involves relocating one aircraft from Gatwick to Luton, marking the start of a gradual fleet redistribution. This strategic shift follows Wizz Air's recent closure of its Abu Dhabi subsidiary and Vienna hub, both attributed to high airport costs and taxes.

Wizz Air aims to optimize its network for profitability by prioritizing bases with the most favorable financial conditions. While the airline has no plans to completely abandon Gatwick, it seeks to streamline its presence there to enhance efficiency. The move reflects a broader trend among airlines to carefully manage costs and maximize revenue in a competitive market. Wizz Air's decision underscores the financial pressures faced by airlines operating at major international airports with high fees and charges.

In a parallel move to enhance passenger experience and revenue, Wizz Air is launching 'Wizz Class,' a new service offering premium seating options on select flights. Passengers opting for Wizz Class will benefit from seats in rows with an empty middle seat, providing additional space and comfort. Other perks include priority boarding, increased baggage allowance, and guaranteed overhead bin space. The new seating arrangement will be available on flights departing from London, Rome, Warsaw, Bucharest, and Budapest, starting this December.

The introduction of Wizz Class reflects the airline's efforts to cater to business travelers and passengers seeking a more comfortable travel experience. Silvia Mosquera, Commercial Officer, noted that the service is designed to meet the demand for low-cost travel options with added space and convenience. This initiative aligns with Wizz Air's strategy to diversify its revenue streams and attract a wider range of customers. The announcement comes shortly after the collapse of Blue Islands, highlighting the challenges faced by regional carriers in the current aviation landscape.