Wizz Air Cuts Flights to 22 Airports as Winter Schedule Changes

Wizz Air has announced a significant reduction in its winter flight schedule for 2025/2026, discontinuing services to 22 airports across its network. This decision reflects the airline’s ongoing adjustments as it seeks to enhance operational efficiency amid various challenges, including the closure of its Abu Dhabi unit and ongoing issues with aircraft engines.

The changes will take effect when Wizz Air transitions to its winter schedule on October 26, 2025, maintaining it until March 28, 2026. A recent analysis by Cirium indicates that Wizz Air will operate from 155 airports in regions including Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, down from 165 airports in the previous winter season.

Among the airports that will no longer be served are notable destinations such as Alexandria, Bishkek, Riyadh, and Rome Ciampino. The majority of these cuts are linked to the airline’s withdrawal from the Abu Dhabi market, which accounts for 13 of the 22 eliminated routes. Although Wizz Air will continue to operate flights to Abu Dhabi using non-based aircraft, the adjustments signify a strategic shift for the airline.

Details of the Flight Cuts and Future Plans

The list of airports that Wizz Air will no longer serve includes:

– Alexandria
– Almaty
– Antalya
– Aqaba
– Astana
– Bishkek
– Bremen
– Brussels (excluding Charleroi)
– Burgas
– Dammam
– Erbil
– Leipzig
– Male
– Riga
– Riyadh
– Rome Ciampino (Fiumicino remains operational)
– Salerno
– Salzburg
– Samarkand
– Sohag
– Tashkent
– Turkistan

While these cuts may seem drastic, the airline plans to mitigate the impact by adding 12 new airports to its network. Among these new entries is Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, which will be served for the first time. This expansion comes shortly after Wizz Air opened a base in Yerevan, the capital, in 2020.

In addition to Gyumri, Wizz Air will reintroduce flights to several previously served destinations, including Faro and Cologne/Bonn, in a move that reflects the airline’s strategy of reassessing its operational footprint. The full list of new or returning airports includes:

– Faro (March 30, 2025)
– Gyumri (September 30, 2025)
– Paphos (October 2, 2025)
– Cologne/Bonn (October 26, 2025)
– Bordeaux (October 28, 2025)
– Olsztyn-Mazury (October 28, 2025)
– Santander (October 28, 2025)
– Lamezia Terme (November 14, 2025)
– Maastricht (November 24, 2025)
– Warsaw Modlin (December 1, 2025)
– Palanga (December 10, 2025)
– Palermo (December 10, 2026)

Wizz Air’s Return to Warsaw Modlin

Wizz Air’s return to Warsaw Modlin marks a notable development in its operational strategy. The airline previously served the airport during the 2012/2013 season, offering 21 routes. Although Wizz Air has primarily focused on operations at Chopin Airport, the reintroduction of services at Modlin comes as Ryanair dominates the market there, controlling 96% of the flights, according to Cirium data.

Starting December 1, 2025, Wizz Air will base two A321neo aircraft at Modlin and offer 11 routes, including flights to Alghero, Barcelona, and Sofia. This strategic move allows Wizz Air to expand its footprint in a competitive market and provides options for travelers in the region.

As Wizz Air navigates these changes, it remains focused on adapting to shifting market demands and optimizing its route network to ensure sustainable growth. The airline’s dynamic approach illustrates the ever-evolving nature of the aviation industry, where airlines must continually assess their operations to remain competitive and responsive to passenger needs.