Wizz Air Says Goodbye: No More Flights from Vienna in the Future

The Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air is giving up its location in Vienna. After a "strategic review," the base will be closed in two phases, the company announced on Wednesday. Accordingly, on October 26, 2025, two aircraft will be withdrawn from Vienna and the connections to Bilbao and London-Gatwick will be discontinued; the remaining three jets and the other routes will follow on March 15, 2026.

Wizz Air in Vienna for years

Wizz Air has been operating the Vienna base since 2018 and currently stations five Airbus A321neo there, serving 28 routes in 20 countries. The airline cites significantly increased airport charges, taxes, and ground handling costs in Vienna, as well as the strategic focus on core markets in Central and Eastern Europe, as reasons for the withdrawal. Operating from Vienna is "no longer compatible" with the ultra-low-cost model, it says.

Vienna Airport: "Very regrettable"

Vienna Airport described Wizz Air's decision to withdraw from the Vienna location as "very regrettable". It could also have an impact on passenger numbers at Vienna Airport, it said in a response. At the same time, the airport pointed out that airport charges are the same for all airlines and will be reduced by up to 5 percent as of January 1, 2026. In international location competition, cost burdens such as the state flight tax play a major role - for example, these do not exist in Austria's neighboring countries Hungary and Slovakia.

According to Wizz Air, Austrian customers will continue to be served via the nearby base in Bratislava and via Budapest. Affected passengers would be informed directly and could either receive a refund in the form of money or "WIZZ credits" (120 percent of the ticket price) or rebook on alternative Wizz Air flights.

The company announced support for the workforce - such as transfers to other locations and alternative positions within the group. Wizz Air employs 254 people at the Vienna location.

"Difficult but necessary decision"

"This was a difficult but necessary decision to ensure the long-term competitiveness of our company," explained Mauro Peneda, CEO of Wizz Air Malta. "Wizz Air is committed to supporting all affected employees during this transition phase, including through relocations to other Wizz Air locations and, where possible, through alternative positions within the company."

(APA/Red)

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