Wizz Air stops flights to 2 popular UK destinations – but here’s the good news
Wizz Air is making headlines again — and not just for positive reasons. The budget airline is pulling out of two well-known UK destinations from Budapest, citing competitive pressure and operational changes. However, it’s not all bad news for the carrier’s future. In fact, the airline has just announced a major investment that could strengthen its position in Central and Eastern Europe.
Flights to Liverpool and Glasgow to be discontinued
As reported by Okosutas.hu, Wizz Air will discontinue flights from Budapest to Liverpool and Glasgow starting this autumn. The final flights are scheduled for 24 October (Liverpool) and 25 October (Glasgow), marking the end of two long-standing routes.
Both destinations have a long history in Wizz Air’s portfolio:
- Liverpool has been a staple in Wizz Air’s UK network, but competition has increased, most notably from Ryanair, which also entered the route last year. Wizz Air’s withdrawal so soon after may raise eyebrows.
- Glasgow has also seen a back-and-forth from Wizz Air, previously being replaced by Edinburgh, then reinstated again. Yet Ryanair’s strong presence in Edinburgh and more frequent flights may have made it difficult for Wizz to hold its ground in the region.
The move is part of a broader route optimisation strategy ahead of the winter schedule.
But the good news: Major investment in Romania
Despite cutting some routes, Wizz Air is expanding its infrastructure in Eastern Europe. The airline just announced the opening of its first dedicated maintenance centre in Romania, located next to Bucharest’s Băneasa International Airport, the statement said.
This move is part of a strategic partnership with Romaero, a leading Romanian aerospace company, and marks a significant milestone in the airline’s regional presence. The new facility will handle both heavy and light maintenance tasks for Wizz Air aircraft operating in Romania and neighbouring countries.
By the end of this year, Wizz Air will operate 43 aircraft in Romania, more than in any other country in its network. With 204 routes from 13 Romanian airports, the airline is doubling down on Romania as a key growth hub, creating jobs and improving operational efficiency.
“The opening of our first dedicated maintenance center in Romania is a strategic leap forward for Wizz Air,”
said Mauro Peneda, Managing Director of Wizz Air Malta. “This investment ensures greater efficiency, reliability, and support for our continued growth.”
A balancing act
While the loss of the Liverpool and Glasgow routes is a blow for travellers flying between Budapest and the UK, the Romanian development shows Wizz Air is not stepping back, just shifting focus. With a fleet renewal underway, 300 new aircraft on order, and a digital-first strategy, Wizz Air continues to evolve in a highly competitive market.
For UK-bound passengers, alternatives such as Ryanair and British Airways remain available — and given the dynamic nature of low-cost airlines, these routes may return someday if conditions change.
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