Wizz Air is among the airlines that have cancelled flights this week, as the sector battles to meet soaring demand in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic’s deadliest outbreak.
József Váradi stated that airlines in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe have struggled to keep up with demand as travel to many holiday destinations returns to normal for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and prices have increased by “low single-digit” percentages from April to May.
This week, British Airways has been the airline most affected by flight cancellations, but easyJet and Wizz Air have also cancelled flights, affecting thousands of travellers.
Wizz Air reported a net loss of €642.5 million (£546.5 million) for the year, although it plans to increase capacity by more than 30 percent and 40 percent in the first two quarters of current fiscal year.
József Váradi, chief executive officer of the group, stated: “There are supply chain concerns at airports across the industry, including in our network.
“Staff shortages in air traffic control, security, and other areas of the supply chain have a direct impact on airlines, our employees, and our customers.
“We are devoting additional resources to minimise interruptions and urge all other parties to do the same, keeping the best interests of customers in mind at all times.”
Wizz Air transported over 27 million passengers in the year ending on 31 March, an increase of 166% over the previous year, which was plagued by COVID-related travel restrictions.
According to Mr. Váradi, the virus is currently endemic.
He also stated that the corporation had “handled” the impact of the war in Ukraine, which began in late February when Russia invaded the country.
He said: “The airline business continues to be vulnerable to external factors such as air traffic control disruptions and ongoing operational challenges in the airports sector, which contribute to a volatile macroenvironment.
“As European customers reevaluate their spending decisions, rising energy prices and inflation will continue to favour ultra-low-cost airlines.
“We are partially hedged for the summer, offering partial protection against fuel price increases, and we continue to investigate options to extend these insurance coverages for the entire fiscal year under the right circumstances.”
