BUDAPEST — Wizz Air (W6) has announced that it will close its Vienna base, citing cost-related reasons. According to Reuters, the shutdown is planned for March 2026.

The primary reason, according to the airline, is the rising costs of airport operations and other ground-handling expenses at Vienna. Managing Director Mauro Peneda said:

"The airport cost base in Vienna, as well as taxes and ground-handling services, has risen significantly since our launch, making continued operations unsustainable."

The budget carrier business model relies heavily on small cost factors such as landing fees and ground-handling charges, which are typically lower at secondary airports compared to major hubs. These savings allow low-cost carriers like W6 to offer really low fares. However, in Vienna, these costs are rising, making operations increasingly challenging for a budget airline like Wizz Air (W6).

Wizz Air (W6) has announced a phased withdrawal from Vienna. On October 26, 2025, the airline will remove two aircraft and discontinue two routes — to Bilbao and London Gatwick. The remaining three aircraft and other routes will be withdrawn in March 2026, completing the full closure of the base.

Closure of Abu Dhabi Base

Earlier this year, W6 also announced the closure of its Abu Dhabi base, which had been launched six years prior, marking a setback in the Hungarian low-cost carrier’s efforts to establish itself in the Middle Eastern market.

According to an interview with Wizz Air’s Head of Communications by Airways, several factors contributed to the decision. One notable issue was engine reliability. The hot and humid environment of Abu Dhabi and the Middle East in general proved challenging for the Pratt & Whitney GTF-powered Airbus A320neo family aircraft, which are reportedly facing reliability concerns under such harsh conditions.

Additionally, other factors included frequent regional conflicts resulting in airspace closures and regulatory hurdles, all of which added financial strain and operational challenges.

The recent closures of both the Abu Dhabi and Vienna bases underscore the challenges that low-cost carriers like W6 face in balancing their expansion ambitions with operational and financial realities.