Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air is giving up its base in Vienna. After a “strategic review,” the company announced on Wednesday that the base will be closed in two phases. On October 26, 2025, two aircraft will be withdrawn from Vienna and the routes to Bilbao and London-Gatwick will be discontinued; the remaining three jets and all other routes will follow on March 15, 2026.
Wizz Air has operated its Vienna base since 2018 and currently stations five Airbus A321neo aircraft there, serving 28 routes to 20 countries. The airline cited sharply increased airport charges, taxes, and ground handling costs in Vienna, as well as a strategic focus on core markets in Central and Eastern Europe, as reasons for the withdrawal. Operating from Vienna was said to be no longer compatible with the ultra-low-cost model.
Bratislava And Budapest As Alternatives
According to Wizz Air, Austrian customers will still be served via the nearby base in Bratislava and via Budapest. Affected passengers will be contacted directly and can either receive a refund in cash or “WIZZ credits” (120 percent of the ticket price) or rebook to alternative Wizz Air flights.
The company announced support measures for staff—such as transfers to other locations and alternative positions within the group. Wizz Air employs 254 people at the Vienna base.
“This was a difficult but necessary decision to secure the long-term competitiveness of our company,” said Mauro Peneda, Managing Director of Wizz Air Malta. “Wizz Air is committed to supporting all affected employees during this transition, including relocation to other Wizz Air bases and, where possible, alternative positions within the company.”
