Wizz Air marks 10 years on LSE & new XLR route

LONDON, 25th February 2025: Wizz Air, one of the most sustainable European airlines, today celebrates the 10th anniversary of its listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), and announces that it will be the first airline to offer a direct flight between London Gatwick and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

The new route, which launches on 1st August 2025, is Wizz Air's second from the UK using the longer-range Airbus XLR aircraft, with its first flight scheduled from London Gatwick to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on 31st March.

By launching this route, the airline will facilitate more than 174,000 seats per year to Medina, making the holy city, which is famous for its religious tourism, more accessible than ever.

The extended reach and efficiency of the brand-new Airbus XLR aircraft supports Wizz Air's continued growth across the Middle East where the airline already has an extensive network. Wizz Air currently serves more than 100 destinations across the region, including a base in Abu Dhabi.

A decade on the London Stock Exchange

Over the past 10 years, Wizz Air has significantly expanded its operations through the creation of four airlines, reinforced financial resilience, and positioned itself as an industry leader in delivering the lowest fares and lowest emissions intensity *.

Since its initial public offering (IPO) in 2015, Wizz Air has significantly strengthened its liquidity position, expanded its fleet from 54 to over 200 aircraft, and increased passenger numbers from 19 million to over 60 million annually. The airline group's listing has played a critical role in its evolution, providing access to one of the world's largest and most sophisticated capital markets.

As geopolitical and supply chain uncertainties ease, Wizz Air is well positioned for strong growth, underpinned by a significant order book, as well as fleet expansion and revenue diversification plans, and is targeting passenger growth of 15-20% annually.

With a disciplined cost structure, well capitalised balance sheet and strong liquidity, Wizz Air remains well positioned to navigate market fluctuations and is committed to delivering long term shareholder value.

Strategic Investments in Sustainability and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Wizz Air is the airline with the lowest emissions intensity per passenger per kilometre globally. This is the result of its strategic investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and fleet renewal activities to replace older generation aircraft with Airbus A321 NEO aircraft, which bring both economic and sustainability benefits. The airline has an aspiration to power 10% of its flights with SAF by 2030.

Over 60% of the Company's fleet is now Airbus A320neo family aircraft with an average age of 4.6 years. Wizz Air's target of 25% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 is supported by technological advancements in its aircraft and engines.

József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air, commented: "Celebrating 10 years on the London Stock Exchange is a testament to Wizz Air's resilience, ambition and strategic vision. As we enter a new era of stability and profitability, we are focused on sustainable growth, expanding our network, and enhancing our financial strength. Today's launch of the new route from London Gatwick to Medina demonstrates this, and is an important milestone for the airline, as we continue to widen our network from the UK beyond Europe. We are proud to be the airline that connects iconic cities around the world, and we look forward to providing even more opportunities for travel in the future.

"The London Stock Exchange has been instrumental in supporting our access to capital, enabling us to invest in next-generation fleet technology, SAF innovation and long-term market expansion. The airline group remains committed to delivering shareholder returns, driving operational excellence and redefining the future of affordable, sustainable travel."

Bill Franke, Chairman of Wizz Air, commented: "With a decade of strong performance on the London Stock Exchange, Wizz Air is poised for its next phase of growth, underpinned by strong financial discipline, an unmatched order book, sustainability investments, and strategic market expansion. The Board of Directors is confident that Wizz Air's agility and disciplined execution will continue to deliver value for investors, employees, customers and society."

* According to Cirium - 2024 On-Time Performance Review, Wizz Air achieved a 70.54% on-time arrival record. Cirium's Annual report is the gold standard for global airline and airport performance analytics. An on-time flight is defined as a flight that arrives within 14:59 minutes of the scheduled gate arrival time. Airports measure punctuality as departing flights within 14:59 minutes of their scheduled departure time.