Budget airline Wizz Air has announced plans to reduce its flight operations from Gatwick Airport, opting instead to increase its presence at Luton Airport. This strategic shift comes as the airline faces mounting operating costs and challenges associated with what József Váradi, the airline’s chief executive, described as “inferior slots” at Gatwick.
The transition will commence with the relocation of one aircraft from Gatwick to Luton, marking the beginning of a broader strategy to adjust the airline’s fleet in response to financial conditions. According to Váradi, the decision stems from the airline’s struggle to maintain profitability at the UK’s second busiest airport.
Wizz Air’s move follows a series of operational changes, including the closure of its Abu Dhabi-based subsidiary announced in July, and the recent discontinuation of its base in Vienna due to high airport costs and taxes. Váradi emphasized the need for adaptability within the airline’s operations, stating, “Circumstances change and you have to take action. Whichever bases give you the most profitability, you should be biased toward them.”
Despite the reduction in flights from Gatwick, Wizz Air does not intend to completely exit the airport. Instead, the airline aims to “optimise” its presence there, focusing on financial efficiency. Váradi added, “You have to churn your network for profit. We are simply more efficient financially in Luton.”
In addition to the operational changes, Wizz Air recently introduced a new seating option called ‘Wizz Class’. This initiative allows passengers to pay an additional fee for a seat with an unoccupied middle seat, providing more space during the flight. Other benefits include priority boarding, a carry-on bag allowance, and guaranteed overhead bin space.
Silvia Mosquera, Wizz Air’s commercial officer, highlighted that the introduction of Wizz Class is a response to feedback from the airline’s growing number of business travellers. She noted, “The roll-out of Wizz Class follows feedback from our growing number of business travellers who value low-cost travel options and prefer additional space during the flight.”
The new seating option will be available on select flights departing from London, Rome, Warsaw, Bucharest, and Budapest starting in December.
As Wizz Air continues to navigate the complexities of the aviation market, its strategic decisions underscore a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and responding to evolving passenger needs.
