Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air has decided to close its Vienna base. The company justified the move today by citing increased costs and a desire to focus on its key markets in Central and Eastern Europe, according to the APA news agency.
Wizz Air to close Vienna base due to rising costs
Next month, Wizz Air will withdraw two aircraft from Vienna and discontinue flights to Bilbao in Spain and London Gatwick Airport. In March next year, it will withdraw the remaining three aircraft and cancel all remaining routes, resulting in the complete closure of the Vienna base.
Wizz Air has been operating its Vienna base since 2018. The base currently has five Airbus A321neo aircraft. The company said that due to increased airport charges, taxes, and ground handling costs, operating the Vienna base is not compatible with its low-cost business model.
Vienna Airport criticizes Wizz Air’s departure, company bets on Bratislava and Budapest
Vienna Airport described Wizz Air’s decision as “very regrettable”. It pointed out that airport charges are the same for all airlines and that they will fall by up to five percent from the beginning of next year.
The company Wizz Air said that even after closing its base in Vienna, it will continue to serve Austrian customers through nearby bases in Bratislava and Budapest. It is closing its Vienna base due to rising airport charges and ground handling costs, which make it impossible to maintain its low-cost model. In addition, it plans to launch new routes from Bratislava to ensure flight availability for passengers from the region.
Source: Reuters
