Wizz Air UK Ends Vienna Service by 2026
Wizz Air UK announced it will discontinue all flights to Vienna from London Gatwick and London Luton by 2026. This will affect flights from London Gatwick and Bilbao to Vienna, ending on October 26, 2025, and flights from London Luton ceasing on March 15, 2026. This change will impact travelers to Austria’s capital, particularly during the busy winter travel season.
Reasons for Suspension
Wizz Air UK opened its Vienna base in 2018 to increase its European routes. Rising operational costs at Vienna International Airport, including airport fees, taxes, and ground handling services, have made the continuation of these routes unsustainable.
Mauro Peneda, Managing Director of Wizz Air Malta, stated that despite the difficult decision, pulling out was essential for maintaining the airline’s long-term competitiveness. Employees at the Vienna base will have the chance to work elsewhere within the Wizz Air network.
Passenger Options
Currently, Wizz Air operates two daily flights from London Gatwick to Vienna, reduced to one during the winter. These services will slowly decline until their full termination in 2026.
Passengers booked to travel to Vienna before October 26, 2025, will not face changes. However, those scheduled to fly after that date will receive notifications through the Wizz Air app or email.
- Affected customers are offered a full refund in WIZZ credits.
- Alternatively, customers can rebook on another Wizz Air flight.
No cash refunds will be provided. Travelers wishing to reach Vienna can opt for airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways, which still operate flights to the city. Wizz Air also highlights alternative routes to Budapest and Bratislava, accessible by train or car from Vienna.
Broader Network Reductions
The withdrawal from Vienna is part of a larger scale approach by Wizz Air to concentrate on markets with stronger demand and less competition. Additional route suspensions include flights from Liverpool to Budapest ending October 24, 2025, and Glasgow to Budapest on October 25, 2025.
Ryanair’s Commentary
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, criticized Wizz Air’s strategy, suggesting potential consolidation with a larger competitor within three to five years. Wizz Air has countered these predictions, emphasizing its focus on connecting passengers in Central and Eastern Europe, where affordable air travel demand continues to rise.
