Wizz Air is focusing on network densification as it regains momentum following aircraft groundings and supply chain disruptions, CEO József Váradi said in its fiscal 2025 third-quarter earnings call.
The Budapest-based ULCC plans to reinforce existing routes rather than expanding into new markets, a move Váradi described as the “safest way to grow.” He said the airline is prioritizing frequency increases on key routes, aiming to build market leadership and improve profitability through higher utilization of its existing infrastructure.
“Our focus will be on densifying the network as opposed to diversifying,” Váradi explained. “We have an extensive backbone of a network ... but we still need to put meat on the bones. We have been a lot denser in recent years when it comes to frequencies—that is very positive because it creates market leadership, it creates brand awareness in the marketplace, and through that enhances profitability.”
Wizz, which has been heavily impacted by Pratt & Whitney GTF engine issues, has started to recover its fleet capacity as supply chain constraints ease. The company expects to return to a 15-20% annual capacity growth profile over the next five years as grounded aircraft return to service and new Airbus A321neos are integrated into the fleet.
Váradi said Wizz is positioning itself to capitalize on growth in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)—its core market—where air travel demand is projected to increase significantly over the next decade. The carrier estimates the region will generate 100 million new passengers by 2035—led by Poland, where traffic is forecast to rise by almost 36 million passengers annually by 2029 to over 90 million.
“There will be roughly 100 million additional passengers over the next 10 years or so, requiring 300 aircraft,” Váradi said. “We have a net 190 aircraft to be delivered [by 2030], so effectively, if we are focused on the region, if we own the market here, we can deliver our entire growth in [CEE].”
As reported by Aviation Week, Wizz has also revised its Airbus delivery schedule to smooth out capacity growth, mitigating the impact of aircraft returning from grounding alongside new aircraft arrivals.
Related Content
