Hungary’s Wizz Air Set to Dominate Europe with Major Fleet Expansion and New Routes in 2026!

Published on November 21, 2025

Wizz Air, the Hungary-based low-cost airline, has revealed bold plans for continued growth after a record-breaking year. The airline, which saw significant success in 2025, is set to expand its operations even further in 2026, with additional aircraft, new routes, and enhanced services for travelers. With these initiatives, Wizz Air is positioning itself as a major player in the aviation industry, particularly within Europe.

The airline is preparing for another leap in growth, aiming to increase both its fleet size and the number of passengers it serves. This development comes as part of a broader strategy to reinforce its position as Hungary’s largest airline and expand its presence across Europe and beyond.

Record-Breaking Year for Wizz Air

Wizz Air achieved a significant milestone in 2025 by carrying over 24.5 million passengers, marking a 10 percent increase compared to the previous year. This surge in passengers highlights the airline’s rising popularity and successful operations. In November, CEO József Váradi held an extraordinary press conference to share this achievement with the public, while also outlining the airline’s forward-looking plans.

The airline currently operates in over 40 countries, offering direct flights to around 200 destinations. With a fleet of 249 aircraft (set to grow to 250 in the near future), Wizz Air continues to serve travelers across 910 routes. The airline is supported by a dedicated workforce of nearly 10,000 employees, helping to ensure smooth operations across its global network.

Wizz Air’s Growth Strategy in Hungary

According to Váradi, Wizz Air is now the largest airline in Hungary. The airline operates 17 aircraft from two major airports in Hungary, with direct flights to 74 destinations across 34 countries. This represents a substantial annual seat capacity of 8 million, a number that will continue to grow in the coming year.

In a significant move, Wizz Air has announced plans to expand its fleet in Hungary further by adding an 18th Airbusaircraft in May 2026. This addition will increase the airline’s annual seat capacity by more than 900,000 seats, contributing to a significant increase in the number of passengers served. Wizz Air is forecasting that by the end of 2026, the airline will carry a total of 9.1 million passengers to and from Hungary. This projection represents a 44 percent increase from pre-COVID levels, specifically from 2019 when the airline served 6.33 million passengers.

Expansion of Wizz Air’s Route Network

As part of its expansion strategy, Wizz Air will also introduce new routes from Budapest, its primary hub. Travelers can expect direct flights to several new destinations, including Tallinn, Billund, Bergen, Lamezia Terme, and Rimini. These routes will further diversify the airline’s offering and cater to growing demand for affordable travel options.

In addition to these new destinations, Wizz Air plans to optimize numerous existing flights in 2026. This optimization will improve efficiency, helping the airline to maximize its capacity and further strengthen its position as a leading budget airline in the region.

As a result of these efforts, Wizz Air is projected to hold a 38 percent market share in Hungary by the end of 2026. This would cement its status as the largest airline in the country, with a vast network of destinations connecting Hungary to cities across Europe and beyond.

Wizz Air’s Commitment to Hungary and Beyond

While Wizz Air is expanding its reach internationally, the airline remains deeply committed to its home country of Hungary. The company sees itself as a national airline, actively supporting local communities and sporting events. For example, Wizz Air is a key sponsor of Hungary’s largest half marathon and has formed partnerships with various sports organizations, including the Hungarian Olympic Committee and the national soccer team.

This dedication to Hungarian sport and culture reflects the airline’s broader corporate strategy, which goes beyond just providing air travel. By aligning itself with significant national events and initiatives, Wizz Air strengthens its connection to its home country, fostering loyalty among local travelers.

Financial Success and Strong Earnings Growth

The airline’s growth trajectory is not limited to its fleet and route network. In the second quarter of its 2026 financial year, which ended in September, Wizz Air reported impressive financial results. The company’s operating profit increased by 25.8 percent, reaching EUR 439.2 million compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth is a testament to the airline’s ability to scale efficiently and meet rising demand for its services.

Net profit also saw a slight increase of 2.6 percent, reaching EUR 323.5 million, while total revenue rose by 9 percent to EUR 3.34 billion. This revenue boost was primarily driven by the airline’s ability to expand its capacity and maintain stable demand despite global challenges in the aviation sector.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Wizz Air?

With its expansion plans in full motion, Wizz Air is well-positioned for continued success in 2026 and beyond. The airline’s ongoing growth, both in terms of fleet size and passenger numbers, is a clear indication that it is becoming an increasingly important player in the European aviation market. By adding new routes, optimizing existing flights, and expanding its fleet, Wizz Air aims to meet the growing demand for affordable travel across Europe.

As József Váradi noted, the airline’s ambitions are not limited to just increasing capacity; Wizz Air also seeks to improve the overall experience for its passengers. Whether through new destinations, enhanced services, or strategic partnerships, Wizz Air is committed to providing value for its customers, making air travel accessible to more people than ever before.

In conclusion, Wizz Air’s continued growth in 2026 promises to reshape Hungary’s aviation landscape. With new aircraft, expanded routes, and increased passenger capacity, the airline is poised for another record-breaking year. As it solidifies its position as Hungary’s largest airline, Wizz Air’s vision for the future is clear: to remain a leading force in European aviation while staying true to its commitment to Hungary.