Thickness of the air decreases

Wizz Air and Ryanair have announced that they will be discontinuing flights from Vienna, adding to the ongoing problems in the aviation industry in Austria.

Starting from late October, Wizz Air will gradually phase out its flights from the city. The decision is not expected to be reversed in the short term, as the airline cites high fees in Schwechat, Austria, as a major factor.

Similarly, Ryanair is reducing its presence in Vienna, withdrawing aircraft from three specific routes. The routes being discontinued were not profitable, and the high fees in Vienna are believed to be a significant contributing factor.

Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, has publicly blamed the high fees for the decision. He notes that the fees and taxes for airlines in Europe are higher in Vienna compared to major hubs like Amsterdam, Paris, and London, which sometimes have lower costs.

The legal fee reduction in Vienna, scheduled for January 2026, is a potential long-term solution to attract airlines back to the city. However, it is not expected to immediately impact the decisions made by Wizz Air and Ryanair.

Lufthansa, the parent company of AUA, is not withdrawing aircraft from Vienna, indicating that not all airlines are facing the same challenges.

The discontinuation of flights by Wizz Air and Ryanair is a blow to Vienna Airport, but there is some positive news on the horizon. Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, is expanding Vienna Airport's long-haul connections to Asia, offering additional flights starting in early November 2023.

The issue of high fees in Vienna continues to be a challenge for airlines, and the aviation industry, like many others, is facing problems due to these high costs. The legal fee reduction in 2026 may provide a solution, but in the meantime, airlines are weighing the costs and deciding to discontinue unprofitable routes.

Once an airline initiates the withdrawal of flights, it is unlikely to return soon. This trend is concerning for Vienna and Austria, as the aviation industry plays a significant role in the country's economy.

The decision by Wizz Air and Ryanair to discontinue flights from Vienna is a reminder of the challenges faced by the aviation industry and the importance of addressing these issues to ensure a sustainable future.