Wizz Air, one of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines, is significantly expanding its operations within Germany. The airline intends to increase capacity by 30 percent this year, offering 8.5 million seats, according to CEO Jozsef Varadi in an interview. He described Germany as a key growth market for the company.
This expansion contrasts with decisions made by some other foreign carriers who have reduced their German operations. Wizz Air’s primary destinations within the country are currently Dortmund, with 2.7 million seats; Memmingen, with 1.5 million; Hamburg, exceeding 850,000; and Berlin, approaching 800,000.
Varadi confirmed the airline’s ongoing preference for secondary airports, stating it will continue to avoid major hubs like Frankfurt and Munich. He cited high operational costs and inefficiencies at larger German airports as key factors, specifically referencing lengthy turnaround times and limited availability of take-off and landing slots dominated by the Lufthansa Group. Smaller airports, he noted, offer costs that are at least in line with the European average.
Looking ahead, Wizz Air has ambitious growth plans, aiming to become the second-largest airline in Europe, surpassing Easyjet in size. The airline is currently experiencing double-digit percentage growth, significantly outpacing Easyjet’s expansion. Varadi attributes this success to a focus on the growth potential of Eastern Europe, as well as a 30 percent lower cost base facilitated by a modern fleet – aircraft average only 4.5 years old and are larger in capacity. He anticipates a general rise in ticket prices across Europe, forecasting an increase of three to five percent annually.