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Wizz Air Shifts UK Capacity From Gatwick to Luton to Cut Costs

High fees at Gatwick plus weak departure slots are pushing the carrier to bias flying toward Luton.

Overview

  • The airline will permanently move one aircraft now, taking its UK base mix to 13 planes at Luton and seven at Gatwick.
  • Chief executive József Váradi said operations at Gatwick have been loss-making due to expensive charges and inferior slot timings.
  • Wizz Air says it will not abandon Gatwick, describing the move as network optimisation toward more profitable bases.
  • A December trial of a paid 'Wizz Class' will run on selected routes from London, Rome, Warsaw, Bucharest and Budapest, offering an empty middle seat option, priority boarding, a carry-on bag and guaranteed overhead space.
  • Coverage notes broader UK aviation strain, with Blue Islands ceasing trading and Eastern Airways halting flights and ticket sales as Gatwick expansion remains years away.