Wizz Air to Shut Down Operations at Vienna Base
In a significant move, budget airline Wizz Air has announced that it will close its base at Vienna Airport next year. The decision comes as a result of rising costs and a renewed focus on core markets.
The wind-down of the base will start on October 26, 2021, with two of the five A321neos stationed in Vienna being redeployed. The remaining three aircraft will continue to operate until March 15, 2026.
Vienna is a costlier place to operate from for Wizz Air compared to its East European heartland. High airport landing fees, ground handling costs, and local taxes have made it incompatible with the airline's ultra-low-cost business model.
The closure will affect approximately 250 Wizz Air employees. However, the airline has assured that it will attempt to redeploy affected employees where possible. Additionally, Wizz Air plans to offer support to those who may not be able to be relocated.
The base, which opened in 2018, served 28 routes in 20 countries. Flights to Bilbao, Spain, and London Gatwick will immediately halt due to the redeployment of two aircraft. The remaining routes will continue to operate until March 15, 2026, when Wizz Air will formally close its Austrian operations.
The airline has not disclosed specific details on employee relocation, but it is likely that capacity will be shifted to other bases such as Bratislava and Budapest. Wizz Air has stated that it will do its best to support its employees during this transition period.
This move by Wizz Air is a reflection of the changing landscape in the aviation industry, as airlines continue to adapt to changing market conditions and rising costs. The airline has been successful in its core markets and will continue to focus on these areas moving forward.
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