Low-cost giant Wizz Air has decided to pull the plug on its Vienna base, closing shop entirely by March 2026. For Austria’s capital, it’s the end of a short but intense chapter that started in 2018, when the purple-and-pink jets promised a new era of cheap city breaks and point-to-point links across Europe. So why walk away now?
The Timeline of Departure
The wind-down isn’t happening overnight. First comes October 26, 2025, when two aircraft will leave Vienna and routes like Bilbao and London Gatwick disappear from departure boards. The final wave hits in March 2026, when the remaining three A321neos and all other flights are withdrawn.
Why Vienna Became Too Expensive
On paper, Vienna was a perfect hub — centrally located, strong demand, and a healthy mix of business and leisure travelers. But Wizz Air operates on razor-thin margins. Airport fees, handling charges, and Austria’s flight tax added up to a cost structure that just didn’t fit the ultra-low-cost playbook. Wizz isn’t the first to grumble about Vienna’s pricing; Ryanair has also been vocal about Austria’s aviation taxes.
Winners and Losers
Passengers lose out on direct, low-fare connections to parts of Eastern Europe — think Pristina, Podgorica, or Ohrid — which may not return under other airlines anytime soon. Austrian Airlines could quietly benefit, holding onto its home advantage, while Ryanair may swoop in where profitable.
For Wizz staff in Vienna, the airline has promised relocation offers within its network. Not an easy shift, but at least a softer landing than a straight cut.
Bratislava Steps In
Interestingly, Wizz isn’t retreating from the region entirely. A new base is opening just down the road in Bratislava this November. The move suggests Vienna’s loss is Slovakia’s gain, with the carrier betting that lower costs across the border will keep its model alive and kicking.
Bigger Picture: A Strategic Retreat
This isn’t just about Vienna. Wizz has been reshaping its network, tightening focus on its Central and Eastern European strongholds and shedding bases that don’t align with its bottom line. Vienna joins a growing list of “too expensive” hubs where the math simply doesn’t add up.
Final Approach
For travelers in Austria, the closure is a reminder that low-cost airlines don’t just sell tickets — they sell a business model. When the environment stops supporting that model, no amount of demand can keep them grounded.
Vienna will still buzz with air traffic, but without Wizz Air’s purple jets lined up on the apron, the landscape will look just a bit different.