Wizz Air withdraws from Vienna – airport regrets decision!

Wizz Air withdraws from Vienna – airport regrets decision!

The aviation industry in Vienna is facing a severe setback: Wizz Air has announced that it will give up its base at Vienna Airport. This decision not only causes concern among the company's employees, but could also have a significant impact on passenger volumes at Austria's largest airport. Vienna Airport very much regrets this step and sees it as a disadvantage for travelers and employees.

Since 2018, Wizz Air had five Airbus A321neo stationed in Vienna and offered flights on 28 routes to 20 countries. But the sharp increase in airport fees and ground handling costs have thwarted the ultra-cheap airline's plans. According to Wizz Air, operating from Vienna is no longer compatible with the desired ultra-low-cost model, which is why it will strategically concentrate on core markets in Central and Eastern Europe. This emerges from the statements of Mauro Peneda, Managing Director of Wizz Air Malta, who described the decision as necessary for long-term competitiveness.

Of course, fewer fees from 2026

However, the airport operators have reacted: from January 1, 2026, airport fees are to be reduced by up to 5 percent. It is important that this relief applies to all airlines. Even if Vienna Airport is considered a high-quality and competitive location, factors such as the state aviation tax place a strain on its competitiveness in international comparison - especially compared to neighboring countries such as Hungary and Slovakia, where such taxes do not exist.

Wizz Air announced that it would in future serve Austrian customers via nearby bases in Bratislava and Budapest. Affected passengers will be informed directly and can receive a refund in money or as “WIZZ credits” – this corresponds to 120 percent of the ticket price – or can rebook on alternative Wizz Air flights.

Support for employees

The decision also has an impact on the company's workforce: 254 employees currently work at the Vienna location, for whom Wizz Air has announced support in the form of transfers to other locations. This measure is intended to help the affected employees find new perspectives.

However, Vienna Airport remains confident and is committed to minimizing the impact of this decision. This crisis shows once again how quickly the general conditions in the aviation industry can change. The airport wants to do everything it can to continue to exist as an attractive location and not to lose passengers.

Wizz Air's withdrawal is a step that not only questions the competitiveness of Vienna Airport, but also shows how challenging the market currently is for airlines. The short-term solutions must now prove effective in order to secure Vienna's aviation future.

Austrian Wings reports that the decision is regrettable for everyone involved. Further information is also available APA to find.