Wizz Air announces massive expansion in Debrecen in 2019: second based aircraft, 7 new routes

Wizz Air, one of the fastest growing airlines in Europe and the leading low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe, today announced a 50% increase of it Debrecen operations adding a second Airbus A320 aircraft at its local base in December 2018. At the same time, WIZZ will launch seven long-awaited routes from Debrecen to Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Basel (Switzerland), Doncaster/Sheffield (United Kingdom), Dortmund (Germany), Larnaca (Cyprus) and Malta. Together with the new connections, some of the most popular services from Debrecen to Tel Aviv and Paris Beauvais will have increased weekly frequencies – adding a total of 16 incremental flights to WIZZ’s 2019 schedule from Debrecen.

Wizz Air started its operations from Debrecen International Airport in 2012 and since then has continuously invested in its ever-growing network, always looking to bring more low-fare travel opportunities for its customers. Today’s announcement brings WIZZ’s investment in its Debrecen base to more than $200 million and in 2019, by increasing its operations with 50%, will offer almost 600,000 seats on 14 routes to 11 countries. The new aircraft will arrive in December 2018 and will support the service of seven new routes. Frequencies on WIZZ’s most popular services from Debrecen will be increased with the arrival of the new aircraft from 2 to 3 weekly flights to Tel Aviv and Paris Beauvais. Expanding its operations in 2018 to two modern aircraft, Wizz Air will have a local staff of more 70 direct employees, and the next recruitment session is already scheduled in May in Debrecen.

Since the beginning of 2018 over 97,000 passengers have already enjoyed WIZZ’s low fares, easy booking system and excellent onboard service to and from Debrecen, an increase of more than 24% compared to the same period of the previous year.

WIZZ AIR’S NEWEST ROUTES FROM DEBRECEN

INCREASED FREQUENCIES FROM DEBRECEN  

At the press conference in Budapest announcing the expansion, József Váradi, Chief Executive Officer of Wizz Air, said: “Wizz Air, Hungary’s number one airline, continues its strong growth and creates even more opportunities for its travellers to discover Europe and beyond at the lowest fares. Today we announced new investments for our Debrecen base, by allocating the second aircraft Airbus A320 in December 2018, which will create new local jobs at Wizz Air. In addition, WIZZ network from Debrecen will be diversified with 7 long-awaited routes to Spain, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Malta and Cyprus. Our continuous growth in Debrecen further strengthens Wizz Air’s commitment to Hungary, the city and the airport of Debrecen, as well as stimulate the tourism and hospitality sectors in Hajdú-Bihar county.”

Dr. László Papp, Mayor of Debrecen added: “Debrecen Airport is of key importance for the city of Debrecen from both an economic development aspect and from a tourism point of view. Wizz Air has been contributing significantly to the status and utilization of the airport by launching commercial flights in 2012 and establishing a base in Debrecen. While in 2012, a mere 20,000 passengers were registered at Debrecen Airport, in 2017, 316 000 passengers chose Debrecen. We have reached a new milestone in the partnership of Wizz Air and the city by adding seven new destinations to the airline’s Debrecen network. I am confident that our cooperation will continue to be successful in the future.”

István Herdon, CEO of XANGA Group, the operator of Debrecen Airport said: „On behalf of Debrecen Airport, we are delighted to welcome the addition of a new based aircraft to Wizz Air’s fleet in Debrecen. This is a significant milestone, enabling us to become the market leader among regional airports both in terms of passenger turnover and available destinations. For passengers from Eastern Hungary as well as beyond our borders from Transcarpathia, Partium or Eastern Slovakia, there is now a wider selection of destinations available from Debrecen Airport, and easier access to a number of attractive destinations in the EU, Russia and Israel. With regard to incoming tourism, we expect continuing massive growth in Debrecen as well as the Eastern Hungarian region boasting a rich offer of wellness, recreational and cultural activities.”

*One way including all taxes and non-optional charges

**http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/01/airbus-2018-price-list-press-release.html#media-list-document-document-all_ml_0

May 14, 2018, 12:00