Wizz Air Slot Acquisition and Expansion Update
Wizz Air is in active negotiations with airports across Europe to acquire take‑off and landing slots from carriers that are facing potential bankruptcy, according to Chief Corporate Officer Owain Jones. Jones made the statement on Tuesday at the World Aviation Festival in Lisbon, emphasizing that slot negotiations are a routine part of the airline’s business model.
Ryanair’s chief executive Michael O’Leary disclosed in late September that his airline is pursuing similar slot‑acquisition strategies. Ryanair has also launched new routes to the Baltic states and announced a plan to double its passenger numbers in the Baltic region over the next five years. This competitive move follows the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of Latvian carrier airBaltic in September.
Jones highlighted that Central and Eastern Europe remains Wizz Air’s core market, and the airline is evaluating opportunities to expand into other profitable European markets. He added that Wizz Air has recently withdrawn from its Middle East operations to concentrate on strengthening its existing “fortresses.” The carrier intends to deepen its presence in Italy and plans to open new operational bases in Spain within the coming weeks.