Wizz Air in talks for airport slots as European airlines face pressure
Wizz Air is engaged in negotiations to secure airport slots across Europe from airlines that may be facing bankruptcy, according to a company executive. Chief Corporate Officer Owain Jones disclosed this information at the World Aviation Festival in Lisbon. Jones emphasized that the airline is constantly negotiating deals with airports, which is part of their business strategy.
He also acknowledged that Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has been outspoken about their own efforts in this regard. The negotiations for airport slots are taking place as both budget airlines are competing for market share, particularly in central and Eastern Europe. It is worth noting that Ryanair recently launched new routes to the Baltic states and announced plans to double passenger numbers in the region over the next five years, following Latvian carrier airBaltic's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September.
Owain Jones confirmed that central and Eastern Europe remains the primary market for Wizz Air, and the airline is actively exploring opportunities to expand into profitable markets across Europe. In doing so, Wizz Air plans to reduce its presence in Middle East operations and focus on strengthening its core markets. The airline intends to open new bases in Spain in the coming weeks and expand further in Italy.
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