Wizz Air offers voluntary departures

Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air is offering voluntary departure options to its co-pilots at its London-Luton base, a move linked to rising jet fuel prices and a revised winter flight program. The decision has reportedly caused tension among pilots, who feel management was unclear about the changes.

Management encouraged pilots to join British subsidiary

According to the Corriere della Sera, Wizz Air’s management encouraged pilots to join its British subsidiary during an online presentation on October 21. However, just two days later, co-pilots at London-Luton were informed they could apply for voluntary departure with improved financial conditions.

Winter program reduced due to fuel and geopolitical costs

The airline announced a 5% reduction in winter flight capacity during an investor day on September 17, citing rising fuel prices and geopolitical instability as key factors. Jet fuel prices in Europe have surged by 127% compared to the previous year, reaching approximately 1,632 dollars per ton.

Wizz Air has fuel cost protection and liquidity

Despite the rising fuel prices, Wizz Air has secured coverage for 80% of its fuel needs at a price significantly lower than current market rates. The airline also holds over 2.2 billion euros in liquidity, providing some financial cushion against the increased costs.

London-Luton base is struggling financially

London-Luton is reportedly the least profitable of Wizz Air’s 41 European bases, with losses of at least 60 million euros from departures alone over the first eight months of 2026. Other bases, including Rome-Fiumicino and Budapest, also reported significant financial losses.

Wizz Air maintains long-term growth targets

Despite the challenges, Wizz Air has not abandoned its growth ambitions. The airline still aims for 10 billion euros in revenue, an operational margin of 10%, and 127 million annual passengers by the 2030 financial year, with a fleet of 335 aircraft.

Other airlines face similar challenges

Wizz Air’s strategy differs from that of other European carriers, such as airBaltic, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US, and Volotea, which initiated pre-insolvency procedures in Barcelona to restructure debt and reduce its fleet size. For now, Wizz Air is focusing on a reduced winter program and voluntary staff adjustments at London-Luton.