Lisbon, October 14 – Wizz Air is in talks with airports across Europe to take over slots from carriers at risk of bankruptcy, Chief Corporate Officer Owain Jones confirmed during the World Aviation Festival in Lisbon. Negotiating deals with airports is an essential part of the budget carrier’s business model. The approach follows similar steps to Ryanair’s, as both low-cost airlines seek to capitalize on opportunities from potential carrier bankruptcies this winter season.
Analysts and investors warn that high jet fuel prices and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty could force weaker airlines into bankruptcy, freeing routes and airport slots for stronger players. Competition between Wizz Air and Ryanair for slots and market share is particularly intense in Central and Eastern Europe.
Ryanair launched new Baltic state routes and plans to double passengers in the region over five years after airBaltic filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in September. Jones reaffirmed Central and Eastern Europe as Wizz Air’s core market while the carrier looks to expand into other lucrative European markets after reducing Middle East operations to reinforce its fortresses.
These negotiations enable Wizz Air to pursue strategic growth by securing slots from at-risk carriers amid fuel cost pressures and geopolitical challenges in the European aviation sector.