Wizz Air makes a move on Gatwick

While some airlines like Virgin Atlantic and British Airways have revealed that they are pulling out of Gatwick, Wizz Air has announced it’s planning to increase operations from the airport.

The LCC, which has placed orders for a significant number of new aircraft , with 268 Airbus A320s due over the next few years including 20 long-range A321XLR models. As a result of this the carrier is keen to establish new routes and regards Gatwick as part of this process, as the airport provides international facilities but at a lower cost.

Wizz tried to purchase slots at Gatwick via the sale of Thomas Cook, but lost in a bidding war for these.

Although CEO Jozsef Varadi has declined to comment on how big the airline’s operation will be at Gatwick, it could be double the size of current operations at Luton. One option may see several A321XLR types operate from the airport for long-haul flights to the Middle East.