Wizz Air Shares Drop as Operating Profit Hit by Higher Airport Charges

Wizz Air (LON: WIZZ) shares fell on Thursday after the airline reported significantly weaker-than-expected operating profit for the first quarter of its 2026 financial year, largely due to rising airport and handling costs.

The low-cost carrier posted an operating profit of €27.5 million for the three months to 30 June 2025, well below analysts’ forecasts of around €87 million and down 38% from €44.6 million a year earlier. 

Despite carrying 17 million passengers, up 10.6% year-on-year, and growing revenue by 13.4% to €1.43 billion, the company faced mounting cost pressures. 

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Non-fuel unit costs rose 14.2%, driven by increased airport, en-route, and depreciation expenses, as well as groundings tied to issues with Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan (GTF) engines.

Wizz Air CEO József Váradi acknowledged the challenges and reiterated the company’s strategic refocus on core Central and Eastern European markets.

The airline has suspended its Abu Dhabi operations and will slow aircraft growth to match demand under a revised network strategy.

Although net profit jumped to €38.4 million, boosted by favourable foreign exchange movements, investors appeared concerned by underlying operational strains, sending shares more than 9% lower in early Thursday trading..

Váradi said Wizz Air remains “excited by the long-term prospects” as it adjusts to shifting market dynamics. 

The airline also highlighted its young, fuel-efficient fleet and improved completion and on-time performance, positioning it for recovery once the GTF engine disruption eases.

Wizz Air ended the quarter with a fleet of 236 aircraft and €1.96 billion in total cash.