Wizz Air is withdrawing from Vienna – is Ryanair coming now too?

Wizz Air is withdrawing from Vienna – is Ryanair coming now too?

There is currently a lot of movement in the aviation industry, and the latest developments are bringing with them some surprises both in Vienna and in other European markets. With Wizz Air's announcement that it will give up its base in Vienna, it is clear that rising costs and economic considerations are important factors in international air traffic. According to a report by the Small newspaper The base closure will be carried out in two phases: On October 26, 2025, two aircraft will be withdrawn and connections to Bilbao and London-Gatwick will be discontinued. The final withdrawal of the remaining three jets will take place on March 15, 2026.

The reasons for this step are complex. Wizz Air points to increased airport fees, high taxes and costs for ground handling in Vienna. The company has also increased its focus on core markets in Central and Eastern Europe, meaning operating from Vienna no longer fits the ultra-low cost model that Wizz Air is known for. In order to support the 254 employees in Vienna during the transition phase, the airline is offering transfers and alternative positions.

Ryanair's uncertainties and cost pressure

But that's not all! Rumors about a possible withdrawal of Ryanair from Vienna are also doing the rounds. As the Small newspaper reported, an official confirmation from Ryanair is still pending, and details about the affected connections are currently unclear. A press conference with CEO Michael O'Leary on Wednesday could shed some light on this. O'Leary has already criticized the aviation tax of 12 euros per passenger and suggests that without this tax, passenger growth of up to 50 percent would be possible in Austria by 2030. If he had his way, Ryanair could carry up to 10 million passengers in Austria within the next two years.

The mood is complemented by the situation in Germany, where Ryanair denounces high fees and taxes at the airports. According to a report from the tz The airline has already withdrawn aircraft from Germany, which could result in a decline of one million passengers. Ryanair boss Eddie Wilson calls Germany the weakest performing aviation market in Europe, thereby bringing the question of economic viability into the desired focus.

Market changes and future outlook

Current conditions are part of a larger trend in aviation characterized by rising costs and unpredictable demand. The Market research predicts that the European aviation market will grow from $67.81 billion in 2024 to $78.53 billion in 2029, with a steady annual growth of 2.98%. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war have severely impacted passenger volumes and flight activity, leading to further market concentration.

The future of European airlines in particular is strongly influenced by these factors. It remains to be seen how Ryanair will respond to the ongoing challenges and whether the situation at Vienna Airport can stabilize or whether other airlines will follow.