The Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air has announced that it will close its base in Vienna, Austria, during the winter of 2025-2026. This move will also lead to the cancellation of the Tel Aviv route. This is a dramatic step for the company, which has been operating from the city for seven years.
High Costs Have Taken Their Toll
The company stated that the reason for the closure lies in the high costs of operating flights from Vienna, including airport taxes, ground services, and additional operational costs, which have made the activity less profitable. Additionally, the company prefers to focus on more profitable markets, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe.
Closure Timeline
In the first phase, on October 26, 2025, two routes will be discontinued: to Bilbao and London Gatwick Airport. At the same time, two of the five aircraft operated by the company from Vienna will be returned. The remaining routes, including the Tel Aviv route, are expected to cease completely by the end of March 2026, when the base closure will be fully completed according to the company’s plans.
Information for Passengers
All passengers who purchased tickets for flights affected by the changes are expected to receive a full refund in credit or the option to change their destination to other flights operated by the company. The company emphasized that each passenger will receive a formal notification with the available options.
Wizz Air in Vienna – The End
Wizz Air established its operational base in Vienna in 2018, operating a fleet of five Airbus A321neo aircraft. These aircraft flew to 28 destinations in 20 countries, but as mentioned, due to operational policy changes and costs, the company decided to shift its strategy and focus on more profitable operational areas.
What About the Route to Israel?
The route between Tel Aviv and Vienna is expected to be canceled during the upcoming winter, but as of now, no exact date for the end of operations has been published. The company is expected to update passengers later regarding the final cancellation dates and alternative options.
