Photo: Shutterstock Shift in European Strategy: After reducing operations in Abu Dhabi, Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air has announced the gradual shutdown of its Vienna base.
This decision follows a strategic review of aircraft deployment and operational costs conducted recently.
According to the company's announcement, two routes to Bilbao and London Gatwick will cease on October 26, 2025, and two aircraft will be returned from the base. The remaining three aircraft and other active routes from Vienna will be permanently suspended by March 15, 2026.
Wizz Air opened its Vienna base in 2018, operating a fleet of five Airbus A321neo aircraft on 28 routes to 20 countries.
However, the company notes that since its launch, operational costs, airport taxes, and ground services have sharply increased, making operations in Vienna incompatible with its low-cost model.
Vienna, Austria. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCKThe company thanked its passengers and employees for their "patience, commitment, and understanding" following the announcement, with a special appreciation extended to the Vienna staff "for their dedication and professionalism over the years."
As part of the closure process, Vienna base employees will receive assistance from Wizz Air in finding alternative roles within the company network, including relocation and rehiring opportunities.
Passengers with tickets for flights affected by the changes will be offered a full refund in credits or the option to rebook other company flights.
Mauro Peneda, CEO of Wizz Air Malta, said: "After seven years of operations in Vienna, we had to make a difficult but necessary decision. The rise in operational costs and taxes has made continued operations unsustainable. This is a step intended to ensure the company's long-term competitiveness. We are committed to supporting our employees in Vienna with employment opportunities at other bases, and we thank them for their dedication. Alongside this, we also thank our passengers for their understanding, and we will continue to operate according to the Customer First Compass to ensure our customers and employees are always at the heart of Wizz Air's activities."