Airline Wizz Air curbs expansion objectives due to repeated impacts on profits by engine issues
**Wizz Air Faces Engine Issues and Adjusts Growth Strategy**
Budget airline Wizz Air is grappling with engine troubles, causing disruptions to its operations and forcing the carrier to rethink its expansion plans.
The Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, used on Wizz Air's Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, have been a source of concern. At the end of June 2025, 41 planes were grounded due to engine issues, although this number is expected to decrease, with an average of 35 grounded jets forecast for the full year[1].
To address these challenges, Wizz Air is adapting its growth trajectory and extending the delivery schedules for new Airbus aircraft[1]. The airline is phasing out older A320-family jets and adjusting its new aircraft delivery schedules to match reduced demand and ensure the right fleet size for its network[1].
The airline's strategic shift away from Middle East expansion is also noteworthy. Wizz Air announced on July 14 that it would cease operations at its hub in Abu Dhabi, which accounted for around 5% of its capacity[2][3][5]. The decision was driven by several factors, including geopolitical instability, operational inefficiency, and poor financial returns[3].
As a result, Wizz Air is slashing its A321XLR commitment from 47 to just 10–15 aircraft, reflecting a sharp pivot away from Middle East expansion and long-haul, low-cost operations[3]. The remaining aircraft will be allocated to European operations where demand and profitability are stronger[3].
In terms of financial performance, Wizz Air reported a 38% fall in operating profits to €27.5mn for the three months to the end of June, despite a 13% rise in revenue and a 11% increase in passengers[4]. The airline's chief executive, József Váradi, announced a target of 12% annual passenger growth, down from about 20%[6].
In conclusion, Wizz Air is delaying Airbus aircraft deliveries and curbing growth primarily due to persistent engine reliability problems, which have eroded operational performance and increased costs[1]. Concurrently, the airline is pivoting away from the Middle East, leading to a substantial reduction in its A321XLR order book and a renewed focus on European markets[3][5].
| Key Drivers for Wizz Air’s Adjustments | Impact on Wizz Air | |----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Pratt & Whitney GTF issues | Grounded aircraft, reduced fleet availability[1] | | Middle East market exit | Slashed A321XLR orders, redeployed aircraft to Europe[3]| | Growth rate adjustment | Extended delivery schedules, slower fleet growth[1] |
[1] Reuters, (2025, July 22). Wizz Air extends Airbus A320neo delivery timetable to 2032. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/wizz-air-extends-airbus-a320neo-delivery-timetable-2032-2025-07-22/
[2] Reuters, (2025, July 14). Wizz Air to cease operations at Abu Dhabi hub. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/wizz-air-to-cease-operations-at-abu-dhabi-hub-2025-07-14/
[3] Bloomberg, (2025, July 14). Wizz Air Halts Growth in the Middle East. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-14/wizz-air-halts-growth-in-the-middle-east
[4] Reuters, (2025, August 5). Wizz Air reports 38% fall in operating profits. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/wizz-air-reports-38-fall-operating-profits-2025-08-05/
[5] Financial Times, (2025, July 14). Wizz Air to shut Abu Dhabi hub as it shifts focus to Europe. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/1a95e109-6eb4-425d-b64a-c95e086ab43b
[6] Bloomberg, (2025, August 5). Wizz Air Trims Outlook on Engine Problems. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-05/wizz-air-trims-outlook-on-engine-problems
The engine troubles with the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines have caused Wizz Air to readjust its growth strategy, leading to an extension in the delivery schedules for new Airbus aircraft. Consequently, the airline is making strategic decisions within the aerospace industry that include phasing out older aircraft and focusing on finance-friendly operations in Europe.
