Wizz Air, a leading low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe, is significantly expanding its operations at Bucharest’s two airports.
The two airports concerned are Henri Coandă International Airport (Otopeni, OTP) and Băneasa – Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (BBU).
The strategic move, set to roll out in 2025, aims to strengthen Wizz Air’s position as Romania’s top airline, with a market share of 51–55%.
By adding aircraft, launching new routes, and boosting capacity, Wizz Air is poised to raise its profile further for Romanians and visitors alike.
Expanding Operations at Bucharest Băneasa Airport
Wizz Air has made Băneasa Airport a key focus of its growth strategy. On April 1, 2025, the airline established a permanent base at BBU, stationing one Airbus A321neo there.
From October 2025, a second aircraft, an Airbus A321-200, will join the base, doubling capacity. This will enable 42 weekly flights, offering travellers more flexibility and convenience due to Băneasa’s proximity to Bucharest’s city centre.
The airline is introducing nine routes from Băneasa starting October 26, 2025. Five exclusive routes—Basel, Frankfurt Hahn, Memmingen, Nice, and Athens—will operate solely from Băneasa.
Four additional routes—Milan Bergamo, Barcelona, Brussels-Charleroi, and Turin—will be available from both Băneasa and Otopeni, as Wizz Air relocates these from Otopeni to ease congestion.
Earlier in 2025, Băneasa welcomed new routes to Abu Dhabi, London Luton, Warsaw, Naples, and Kraków, further expanding connectivity.
Growth at Henri Coandă Airport (Otopeni)
Wizz Air is also scaling up at Otopeni, Bucharest’s primary airport. Starting August 1, 2025, an additional Airbus A321neo will join the fleet, bringing the total number of aircraft based in Bucharest to 21.
This expansion supports six new routes launching between October 26 and 28, 2025, to Brindisi, Cologne, Gdansk, Porto, Pescara, and Bratislava.
Additionally, three routes—Gran Canaria, Frankfurt Hahn, and Friedrichshafen—will begin in July and August 2025.
To meet growing demand, Wizz Air is increasing flight frequencies on nine existing Otopeni routes, including Dortmund, Memmingen, Stuttgart, Nice, Basel, Larnaca, Lyon, Alghero, and Pisa.
These enhancements ensure more options for travelers seeking affordable flights across Europe and beyond.
Boosting Capacity and Economic Impact
Wizz Air’s expansion will add nearly 913,000 seats to its summer 2025 schedule in Bucharest, a 22% increase from 2024.
The airline aims to exceed 8 million annual seats in Bucharest, reinforcing its dominance in Romania’s aviation market.
With 204 routes across 13 Romanian airports, connecting to 75 destinations in 25 countries, Wizz Air employs over 1,600 people locally, contributing significantly to the economy.
The airline is also investing in infrastructure. A new maintenance centre at Băneasa, in collaboration with Romaero, will open in October 2025.
This facility will handle both heavy and light maintenance for Wizz Air’s fleet, creating jobs and supporting long-term growth.
The expansion aligns with Wizz Air’s “WIZZ 500” strategy, targeting a fleet of 500 aircraft, despite challenges like Pratt & Whitney engine issues grounding 34–37 planes in 2025.
Sustainability and Passenger Benefits
Wizz Air operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry, with the Airbus A321neo at the heart of its expansion. This commitment to sustainability reduces emissions while keeping fares low, benefiting budget-conscious travellers.
By splitting operations between Băneasa and Otopeni, Wizz Air optimizes airport usage, reduces congestion, and offers passengers more convenient access to Bucharest’s city centre from Băneasa.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While Wizz Air’s growth is impressive, engine-related groundings pose a challenge. However, the airline is countering this with new aircraft deliveries and network optimization. It is targeting a 20% capacity increase in 2025.
The expansion at both Bucharest airports signals Wizz Air’s confidence in Romania’s growing travel demand, driven by economic growth and tourism.
Conclusion
Wizz Air’s expansion at Bucharest’s Henri Coandă and Băneasa airports marks a pivotal moment for Romanian aviation.
With new routes, increased frequencies, and a focus on sustainability, the airline is enhancing connectivity and affordability.
As Wizz Air strengthens its foothold, travellers can expect more options, lower fares, and a boost to Romania’s economy.
