Wizz Air reaches half a billion passengers in rapid 22-year rise
Wizz Air has risen to become one of Europe’s most recognizable airlines with half a billion passengers travelling with the low-cost carrier in the last 22 years.
On January 14, 2026, Wizz Air announced that 500 million passengers had flown with the airline since the start of its operations in 2004, a milestone achieved “faster than any major European peer”.
Wizz Air celebrated the occasion at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) where CEO József Váradi confirmed the introduction of a 16th aircraft in the Italian capital.
The airline highlighted that the half a billion mark meant it had now flown more people than the entire population of the European Union.
According to Wizz Air, the carrier reached 100 million passengers in its first 11 years, doubled that in just four more, and expanded from 200 to 300 million in only three years.
Wizz Air It then added an exceptional 200 million passengers in the past three years, reaching 500 million in just close to 22 years since its launch.
The airline was keen to point out that a “major competitor needed more than three decades to reach the same milestone”.
“Reaching 500 million passengers is an extraordinary milestone that reflects our ability to fundamentally reshape how people travel,” said Váradi. “This achievement is the culmination of 22 years of relentless growth and disciplined execution, and it demonstrates the trust that hundreds of millions of customers have placed in Wizz Air by choosing us time and again.”
Wizz Air welcomed its 250th aircraft in November 2025 and has since received two more as it continues its expansion.
“While many airlines founded in the early 2000s have since disappeared, Wizz Air has risen to become one of Europe’s leading low‑cost carriers. This milestone gives us powerful momentum as we continue to broaden our network, scale our operations, and shape the future of air travel together with our passengers around the world,” added Váradi.
Wizz Air introduces Wizz Class
On January 13, 2026, Wizz Air officially introduced Wizz Class after first releasing details about the new product at the end of 2025.
Passengers purchasing Wizz Class will be seated on the front row with the middle seats remaining empty during the flight.
As the first row also includes extra legroom, the service will ensure more space and comfort to relax or work while flying.
“Business travel is growing across our network, and we’ve listened to what our passengers want. They’re asking for a bit more space and speed, but they don’t want to pay legacy airline prices for business class. WIZZ Class answers that demand—offering passengers the room they crave and the service they deserve, without compromising our simple, convenient model,” said Silvia Mosquera, Commercial Officer at Wizz Air.
Mosquera added: “We are also committed to stay a single-class carrier with our efficiency targets.”
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Wizz Air has risen to become one of Europe’s most recognizable airlines with half a billion passengers travelling…
The post Wizz Air reaches half a billion passengers in rapid 22-year rise appeared first on AeroTime.
