Budget airline Wizz Air has announced plans to reduce its flight operations from Gatwick Airport, shifting its focus to Luton Airport in response to increasing operating costs. The airline’s chief executive, József Váradi, stated that the company has been losing money at Gatwick, which is the United Kingdom’s second busiest airport. The transition will begin with the relocation of one aircraft from Gatwick to Luton, marking the start of a broader strategy to optimize its operations.
The decision to cut flights from Gatwick follows a trend in Wizz Air’s recent business adjustments, including the closure of its Abu Dhabi-based offshoot announced in July and the discontinuation of its base in Vienna due to high airport costs and taxes. According to Váradi, “Gatwick is expensive and we have been operating an inferior set of slots there. We think that we can enhance financial performance by operating that capacity from Luton.”
Wizz Air does not intend to completely abandon Gatwick but aims to “optimise” its presence there. Váradi emphasized the need for airlines to adapt to changing conditions, stating, “Circumstances change and you have to take action. Whichever bases give you the most profitability, you should be biased toward them.”
As part of its efforts to attract more passengers, Wizz Air recently introduced a new seating option called ‘Wizz Class’. This feature allows travelers to pay extra for a row with an unoccupied middle seat, providing additional comfort. Other benefits include priority boarding, an allowance for a carry-on bag, and guaranteed overhead bin space. Silvia Mosquera, Wizz Air’s commercial officer, noted that this offering responds to feedback from business travelers who prioritize low-cost travel options while seeking extra space during flights.
The new ‘Wizz Class’ will be available on select flights departing from major cities such as London, Rome, Warsaw, Bucharest, and Budapest starting in December 2023. The airline’s strategy reflects an ongoing commitment to balance affordability with customer comfort, as it navigates the challenges of the competitive aviation market.
In summary, Wizz Air’s operational shifts illustrate a strategic pivot aimed at enhancing profitability while responding to the evolving needs of its customer base. The airline’s focus on Luton Airport suggests a future where cost efficiency plays a crucial role in its flight network planning.
