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Wizz Air warns of higher full-year costs as fuel headwinds cloud outlook - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Wizz Air warns of higher full-year costs as fuel headwinds cloud outlook

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on November 12, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: November 12, 2026

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Wizz Air Faces Higher Full-Year Costs as Fuel Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict

Wizz Air's Financial Performance Impacted by Rising Fuel Costs

Full-Year Cost Outlook

Nov 12 (Reuters) - Wizz Air said on Thursday it expects full-year ex-fuel unit costs to rise by a mid-single-digit percentage year-on-year, as surging fuel costs driven by the Iran war weigh on the Hungarian budget carrier.

Third Quarter Revenue and Capacity

For the third quarter, Wizz Air said revenue per available seat kilometre — a key measure of pricing power — would rise by a low-single-digit percentage year-on-year, with seats up around 19% as the airline braces for a tough winter season.

First-Half Profit and Fuel Expenses

Net Profit Decline

The airline's first-half net profit fell 66.6% to €108.1 million ($119.75 million) in the six months to September 30, as fuel costs jumped 33.7% to €1.24 billion, reflecting the elevated jet fuel price environment since the Iran conflict erupted and disrupted flows through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Exchange Rate Information

($1 = 0.9027 euros)

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Yamini Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)

Key Takeaways

  • Ex‑fuel unit costs are expected to climb mid‑single‑digit year‑on‑year as fuel pressures from the Iran war mount (Nov 12 Reuters) ⁠— fuel costs surged 33.7% in H1 to €1.24bn, dragging H1 net profit down 66.6% to €108.1m (Reuters) (ticker.app)
  • In Q3, RASK is forecast to rise low‑single‑digits YoY, with seat capacity expanding ~19%, reflecting pricing resilience despite winter headwinds (Reuters) (lse.co.uk)
  • Broader context: Wizz Air’s full‑year ex‑fuel CASK rose mid‑single‑digits as expected amid inflation-linked higher maintenance, navigation and personnel costs; the carrier is also managing disruptions from route cancellations and geopolitical uncertainty (company results) (lse.co.uk)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Wizz Air's full-year costs expected to increase?
Wizz Air's full-year costs are rising because surging fuel prices, driven by the Iran war, are increasing operational expenses.
How much did Wizz Air's net profit fall in the first half?
Wizz Air's first-half net profit fell 66.6% to €108.1 million in the six months ending September 30.
What impact has the Iran conflict had on fuel costs?
The Iran conflict has raised jet fuel prices by disrupting supply flows, contributing to a 33.7% jump in Wizz Air's fuel costs.
How is Wizz Air's revenue per seat kilometre changing?
Revenue per available seat kilometre is projected to rise by a low-single-digit percentage year-on-year in the third quarter.

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