Wizz Air Under Threat: Fuel Problems Could Lead to Flight Cancellations in Europe

European airlines may face a crisis due to rising fuel prices, and Wizz Air is among the most vulnerable. Find out what impact this will have on flights, prices, and travel in the summer of 2026

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The European aviation market may face new challenges in the near future. Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air has proven to be the most vulnerable among European airlines to the aviation fuel supply crisis that has arisen amid the escalating situation around the Strait of Hormuz. This is reported by Express, citing data from brokerage firm XTB.

Why is Wizz Air at risk?

According to analysts’ estimates, Wizz Air has the lowest level of fuel risk hedging among major European carriers—only 55%. By comparison, this figure stands at:

● 80% for Ryanair,

● 77% for Lufthansa,

● 70% for easyJet.

Hedging allows airlines to lock in fuel prices in advance and thus protect themselves from sharp market fluctuations. A low level of such protection means that Wizz Air will feel the effects of rising fuel costs sooner than its competitors.

Read also: Airfare prices will rise: how are airlines reacting to rising fuel costs?

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The closure of the Strait of Hormuz: how does this affect aviation?

The cause of the potential crisis was the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s key oil transport routes. As a result, jet fuel supplies have been threatened, and prices have begun to rise.

According to XTB, Wizz Air has been hit hardest by this situation, as it has a smaller financial “cushion” to offset costs. As a result, the company is already incurring losses on every flight not protected by hedging.

Read also: Lufthansa cancels 20,000 flights due to the fuel crisis — how will this affect passengers?

What does this mean for passengers?

Analysts warn: passengers may feel the consequences of this situation as early as the summer of 2026. Among the most likely scenarios:

● the introduction of additional fuel surcharges;

● higher ticket prices;

● a reduction in the route network;

● flight cancellations even on the eve of departure;

● a decline in service quality due to cost-cutting measures.

Experts emphasize that Wizz Air faces a difficult choice: either operate flights at a loss or reduce the number of destinations and lose market share.

Is the worst-case scenario possible?

According to XTB estimates, if the situation worsens, fuel reserves could reach critical levels within 8–9 weeks. At the same time, analysts hope that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will stabilize by July, which would help avoid the worst-case scenario for Europe’s aviation industry.

Otherwise, this could become the most challenging summer season for airlines since the pandemic.

How to prepare for travel?

Given the risks of delays and cancellations, passengers should plan their trips carefully. This is especially true for complex routes involving layovers or specific dates.

To minimize risks, it’s worth checking available travel options in advance and having alternative routes. For example, through Visit Ukraine, you can use the ticket booking system for all modes of transport—this will help you quickly find a replacement in case of schedule changes and plan your trip more flexibly.

The situation with jet fuel supplies is already affecting the European aviation market, and Wizz Air is among the most vulnerable players. For passengers, this means an increased risk of schedule changes, cancellations, and price hikes. The coming months will be decisive in determining whether a large-scale crisis in the industry can be avoided.

We remind you! Charter flights are often cheaper than scheduled flights, but they carry more risks for travelers. Read about how they differ, when it’s worth choosing a charter flight, and what to look out for before buying a ticket.

Photo: The Yuri Arcurs Collection / Freepik

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