Saturday, June 7, 2025
Romania, Poland, and Italy are key to Wizz Air’s aggressive growth plan with the carrier proceeding with a huge capacity increase in the face of engine-related challenges. With increased fleet expansion, network restructuring, and targeting low-cost, high-growth markets, Wizz Air is doubling down on these three key regions to spearhead recovery, improve profitability, and solidify its position in Central and Eastern Europe.
Wizz Air Unveils Ambitious Growth Strategy Targeting Significant Capacity Increase by 2026 Despite Ongoing Engine Disruptions
Wizz Air is pressing ahead with an aggressive strategy to boost its capacity by nearly twenty percent by March 2026, even as a portion of its fleet remains grounded due to persistent operational disruptions. Persistent engine issues have sidelined a significant portion of its fleet, yet the airline remains committed to scaling operations, leveraging aircraft deliveries, optimized network restructuring, and a sharp focus on core markets to drive recovery and growth.
The announcement came alongside the carrier’s fiscal year 2025 financial results, which highlighted the operational pressure created by engine-related disruptions. Roughly one-fifth of the fleet was grounded due to issues tied to Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan (GTF) engines, significantly impacting the airline’s earnings performance.
Repositioning for Recovery and Margin Rebuilding
The carrier’s net profit for the fiscal year ending March 2025 was €213.9 million, reflecting a steep forty-one percent decline year-on-year. Operating profit also dropped substantially by more than sixty percent, falling to €167.5 million. The primary cause of these declines was the grounding of up to 42 aircraft, which represented around twenty percent of the total fleet.
In response to these challenges, Wizz Air is overhauling its network strategy in a bid to stabilize margins and re-establish profitability. The restructuring includes eliminating underperforming routes, cutting capacity in weak-demand corridors, and redeploying aircraft to stronger, more reliable markets. The airline is also intensifying its focus on low-cost secondary airports as a long-term strategy to keep unit costs down.
Transition to Mature Markets and Stronger Yields
A major pivot in the airline’s approach is the shift away from speculative growth and toward maturing, high-yield markets. Recent financial data reveals a fourteen percentage point decrease in capacity on routes less than three years old. This shift highlights Wizz Air’s move toward a more cautious and revenue-driven route development approach.
The airline is actively exiting destinations with limited commercial viability and reallocating aircraft to regions with higher return potential. It is reducing or removing service from smaller regional airports in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as high-cost airports in Western Europe, including Geneva and Salzburg. Conversely, it is boosting frequencies and capacity in proven corridors with consistent demand.
Major Capacity Growth in Romania, Poland, and Italy
The strongest growth in Wizz Air’s network over the next fiscal year will be centered in Romania, Poland, and Italy—key markets where the airline already maintains a solid presence. Romania is set to experience the most significant fleet increase, with the number of based aircraft rising from 32 to 41, marking a twenty-eight percent year-on-year expansion.
Poland will see fleet growth of twenty-four percent, increasing from 29 to 36 aircraft, while Italy will receive a twenty-one percent boost, growing from 24 to 29 aircraft.The carrier is gearing up to launch a new base in Yerevan, Armenia, deploying two Airbus A320neo jets as part of its broader strategy to expand its presence in fast-growing markets.
Other markets, including the United Kingdom, Hungary, and Bulgaria, will also see year-on-year capacity increases, although at slightly more modest rates. The United Kingdom, for example, will grow from 17 to 20 aircraft, representing an eighteen percent rise.
Supporting Expansion Through Aircraft Deliveries
Amid ongoing engine-related constraints, Wizz Air is strategically leaning on fresh aircraft deliveries to fuel its expansion goals. By the end of March 2025, the airline had expanded its fleet to 231 aircraft, which included 26 new A321neo deliveries during the year. The composition of the fleet at that point included 37 A320ceos, 41 A321ceos, 6 A320neos, and 147 A321neos.
In addition to the new deliveries, Wizz acquired three aircraft through dry leases to compensate for grounded units and returned six A320ceo jets to lessors. These fleet management tactics enabled the carrier to maintain operational flexibility during a period of limited availability due to prolonged engine maintenance turnaround times.
Looking ahead, the airline anticipates adding 42 A321neo and 8 A321XLR jets to its fleet during the 2026 fiscal year. Simultaneously, 17 older A320ceos and one A321ceo are scheduled to exit the fleet, which will bring the total number of aircraft in operation to 263 by March 2026.
Investing in Future Capacity with New-Generation Jets
Wizz Air continues to place significant emphasis on fleet modernization, recognizing its value for fuel efficiency, cost control, and long-term sustainability. At the end of FY25, approximately 66 percent of its aircraft were next-generation models, a figure set to increase as older aircraft are gradually phased out and replaced with newer variants.
The carrier holds firm orders for 253 A321neo and 47 A321XLR aircraft. In May 2025, it welcomed its first A321XLR, marking the beginning of a new era for medium- to long-haul operations. With deliveries set to continue over the coming years, the airline forecasts a fleet size of 281 aircraft by March 2027.
Wizz Air maintains one of the most modern fleets in Europe, with an average aircraft age of only 4.7 years. This provides a clear advantage in managing maintenance costs and operational reliability, particularly as grounded aircraft gradually return to active service.
Navigating Short-Term Headwinds with Long-Term Vision
Despite the challenges created by extended engine shop visits—now averaging approximately 300 days per aircraft—Wizz Air remains focused on long-term network expansion and cost optimization. The grounding of aircraft will continue to pose difficulties in the first half of FY26, with around 34 aircraft expected to remain out of service. However, the airline’s steady fleet renewal program and strategic route restructuring are expected to offset short-term constraints.
Romania, Poland, and Italy are spearheading Wizz Air’s aggressive comeback plan as the low-cost airline increases capacity, rebuilds its network, and grows its fleet in spite of continued engine problems. These three core markets are set to propel growth and restore profitability throughout European operations.
With strong forward bookings, especially for peak travel seasons, and an intensified focus on core growth markets, Wizz Air anticipates a recovery in performance during the second half of the fiscal year. The combination of disciplined network planning, next-gen fleet growth, and regional prioritization positions the airline for a robust rebound as capacity gradually returns and operational pressures ease.
