Wizz Air Cuts 22 Airports from Winter Schedule for 2025/2026

Wizz Air has announced significant changes to its winter flight schedule for 2025/2026, eliminating services to a total of 22 airports. This decision is part of the airline’s ongoing strategy to streamline operations and adapt to shifting market conditions. The adjustments, effective from October 26, 2025, reflect both internal challenges, including the closure of its Abu Dhabi unit, and external factors such as ongoing engine issues impacting aircraft availability.

Among the airports no longer served by Wizz Air are major locations such as Alexandria, Almaty, and Antalya. The cuts are part of a broader review of its network, which will see the airline operate from 155 airports across Africa, the Caucasus, Europe, and the Middle East this winter, down from 165 last year.

Key Changes and New Additions

The airline’s decision to cease operations at these airports includes 13 locations directly related to the closure of its Abu Dhabi unit, marking a significant shift in its operational focus. Despite these cuts, Wizz Air plans to introduce services to 12 new airports, effectively offsetting some of the reductions. Notably, many of these additions are previously served locations, indicating the airline’s strategy of re-evaluating successful routes.

One new destination is Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, which is being served for the first time from Larnaca. This move coincides with Wizz Air’s plans to establish a base in Yerevan, further expanding its reach in the region. Other airports joining the network include Faro, Bordeaux, and Palanga, with services commencing throughout 2025.

Impact on Operations at Warsaw Modlin

Wizz Air’s return to Warsaw Modlin marks a notable development for the airline. Previously, it served this secondary airport in 2012/2013, but has since focused its efforts on Chopin Airport. According to data from Cirium, Wizz Air will operate eleven routes from Modlin, including connections to Barcelona and Malta. This return is significant as it will see the airline compete directly with Ryanair, which currently dominates Modlin’s flight operations.

As the airline readjusts its routes, the focus remains on optimizing aircraft allocation and responding to market demands. Wizz Air has indicated that it aims to reopen some of the eliminated routes, such as those to Antalya and Burgas, during the summer season of 2026, indicating a potential seasonal strategy rather than a complete withdrawal.

In summary, the adjustments to Wizz Air’s winter schedule reflect a broader trend within the airline industry as companies continuously adapt to market dynamics. The operational changes, including the elimination of certain routes and the introduction of new destinations, highlight Wizz Air’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving aviation landscape.