Wizz Air plans non-stop flights between Europe and India

Wizz Air CEO József Váradi has confirmed that the airline is considering launching direct flights between several European cities and airports in India.

These would be made possible through the upcoming induction of the carrier’s Airbus A321XLRs, the longest-range variant of Airbus’ successful A320 family.

The low-cost airline group has 47 A321XLRs on order, combining two agreements placed in 2019 and another in 2021. Last year, Váradi had already hinted at possible operations to India, an intention furthered by his attendance at the 2023 EU-India Aviation Summit in April. At the time, a spokesperson told Simple Flying:

Speaking to The Indian Express at the CAPA India Aviation Summit in Delhi this week, Váradi noted that the carrier was looking at launching direct flights to India from “six to seven” European cities.

The CEO revealed that the carrier expects to take its first A321XLR in February 2025 and hopes to launch services to India next financial year. Váradi also noted the importance of Hungary, Austria, and Italy to the carrier's operation which could provide some indication for the possible future routes.

“We are going to receive the very first XLR in nine months, in February 2025. And we will have 47 of those aircraft coming in. With regard to India…We are in discussions with the (Indian) government and the regulator, and also in Europe… From Europe, we are a designated carrier from Italy, Austria and Hungary… We are talking to the Indian side to make sure that the designation is recognised, accepted and approved,”

The carrier’s focus remains on Central and Eastern Europe for expansion, as the CEO had noted when it first ordered the A321XLR in 2019:

“The inherent aircraft economics of the Airbus A321XLR will widen our competitive advantage for stimulating demand for air travel in Central and Eastern Europe and beyond while minimising our environmental footprint. The A320neo family aircraft are game-changing aircraft that enhance Wizz Air’s low fare model and undisputed cost leadership in Europe."

A translated version of this article first appeared in Flight Mode magazine. Click here to view it.