Stunning Wizz Air figures: 1,000 flights /day, 1 takeoff/every 90 seconds — yet serious challenges remain

We recently reported that Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air is facing significant challenges, having abandoned its previous expansion plans in the Middle East by closing its Abu Dhabi base. Instead, the airline is refocusing on its European markets while cutting back on some routes. Despite these setbacks, Wizz Air has just revealed astonishing figures — operating up to a thousand flights daily.

Incredible Wizz Air numbers

With this scale, Wizz Air transports over 200,000 passengers every day and takes off approximately every 90 seconds across three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. According to repulnijo.hu, this achievement cements Wizz Air’s status among Europe’s leading airlines. Annually, 75 million passengers choose the airline, which employs 8,000 pilots and cabin crew. The airline connects more than 200 airports in over 50 countries on more than 800 routes.

Wizz Air plans to operate an all-Airbus A321neo fleet by 2028. These aircraft are quieter, more fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendlier, emitting fewer pollutants.

While the airline will only take delivery of 10 to 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft capable of longer flights (out of 47 available), it is focusing on the neo model, suggesting a strategic decision to concentrate mainly on Europe and nearby regions.

• Hungary’s Wizz Air cuts flights and reshapes its strategy, while Ryanair’s CEO says the airline has only 3-5 years left

Issues that must be addressed

However, Wizz Air faces other pressing challenges. Technical problems with Pratt & Whitney engines led to the grounding of 41 aircraft at the end of last month, and issues are expected to continue for another two years. Naturally, this limits revenue despite compensation from the manufacturer.

Closing the Abu Dhabi base means the aircraft stationed there will be reassigned to European routes. Wizz Air cited extreme heat, difficulties expanding in the region, and geopolitical tensions as reasons for the withdrawal. The move aims to immediately cut loss-making operations by reallocating aircraft to Europe.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airlines has taken over the local Wizz Air flights in Abu Dhabi and may even absorb some of its employees.

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Read also:

• Wizz Air eyes another breathtaking Middle Eastern destination after Abu Dhabi exit