Finance
Wizz Air reports third-quarter loss on higher maintenance costs
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 29, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary
Wizz Air reported a third quarter loss of 123.9 million euros, exceeding previous losses but below analyst projections, amid growth plans.
Wizz Air Faces Third-Quarter Loss Amid Rising Maintenance Costs
Wizz Air's Financial Performance Overview
By Joanna Plucinska
Impact of Engine Issues
Jan 29 (Reuters) - Wizz Air on Thursday reported a third-quarter operating loss that was in line with analyst expectations after recently lifting its growth forecast, aided by additional Airbus deliveries and the return of previously grounded aircraft to service.
Future Growth Projections
Wizz Air's shares and profits have struggled as the company contends with groundings related to RTX-owned Pratt & Whitney engine issues, as well as geopolitical challenges in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
Geopolitical and Economic Challenges
"We are steadily recovering from the engine-related aircraft grounding and in the next fiscal year, we are targeting to have an average of 20-25 aircraft on the ground due to powdered metal issues," Chief Executive Jozsef Varadi said in a statement.
Wizz Air's third-quarter operating loss widened to 123.9 million euros ($148.48 million) from 75.9 million euros a year earlier.
Analysts polled by LSEG had expected a loss of 137.95 million euros.
Wizz Air's financial year ends on March 31.
The deeper loss was attributable to a "previously guided higher depreciation charge" on older aircraft, the airline said in a statement.
Still, Varadi said the company was expecting higher total unit costs over the previous financial year "as we forecast ... (higher) maintenance costs due to inflationary pressures, partly reflecting the uncertainty around Pratt & Whitney’s engine redeliveries from shop visits and higher depreciation costs related to the retirement schedule of the A320ceo family.”
The company added that groundings due to engine repairs were down to 33 aircraft as of December 31 from 40 a year earlier.
After pulling out of the Middle East last year, Wizz Air recently sought U.S. approval to operate flights between Britain and the U.S.
($1 = 0.8344 euros)
(Reporting by Joanna Plucinska in London and Raechel Thankam Job in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala, Louise Heavens and Thomas Derpinghaus)
Key Takeaways
- •Wizz Air reported a third quarter operating loss of 123.9 million euros.
- •The loss increased from the previous quarter's 75.9 million euros.
- •Analysts had projected a slightly higher loss of 137.95 million euros.
- •The company plans growth with more Airbus deliveries.
- •Grounded planes are being returned to service.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wizz Air reports third-quarter loss on higher maintenance costs
1What is operating loss?
Operating loss refers to the amount by which a company's operating expenses exceed its revenues. It indicates a company's inability to generate sufficient income from its core business operations.
2What are analysts' projections?
Analysts' projections are estimates made by financial analysts regarding a company's future performance, including revenue, earnings, and other financial metrics based on current data and trends.
