Wizz Air Ending Vienna Flights in October 2025; Base Closure by March 2026
Wizz Air has announced a plan to close its base at Vienna International Airport (VIE) in Austria, with a gradual phase-out of operations set between October 2025 and March 2026.
The Hungarian low-cost airline reached this decision after conducting a strategic assessment of its operations in Austria, which have been challenged by fierce competition and increasing operational costs over the years.
On October 26, 2025, Wizz Air will withdraw two of its aircraft and stop its services to Bilbao (BIO) and London-Gatwick (LGW). The remaining three aircraft will stop operating along with all other flights from Vienna on March 15, 2026, marking the complete closure of the base.
Passengers affected by these changes will receive notifications directly through the WIZZ app or via email, providing options for rebooking or refunds in the form of WIZZ credits.
Wizz Air is also committed to assisting its Vienna-based staff, offering them opportunities for relocation and alternative roles within the airline’s broader network.
Financial and Operational Challenges
Wizz Air established its base in Vienna back in 2018 with the goal of competing against key players like Austrian Airlines, Ryanair’s Lauda Europe, and easyJet in the Austrian market.
This withdrawal from Vienna comes as the airline faces increasing pressure to manage costs. In June 2025, Wizz Air’s stock experienced a decline following disappointing financial results that raised investor concerns regarding the rising cost of operations.
Compounding these issues are operational challenges, as the airline’s all-Airbus fleet has been affected by extensive maintenance problems relating to Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines, which have resulted in the grounding of numerous aircraft across Europe.
The decision to exit Vienna follows a similar recent move, as Wizz Air concluded its Abu Dhabi operations on September 1, 2025. This decision stemmed from the impact of extreme weather on engine performance, along with geopolitical risks and regulatory challenges that made continuing operations in the UAE untenable.
What are your thoughts on Wizz Air’s expansion and contraction strategies?
