Hungary-based ultra-low-cost airline expands premium seating trial across entire network after business travelers embrace blocked middle seats and complimentary refreshments.
European budget carrier Wizz Air will expand its premium seating product across its entire route network following a successful trial that saw demand surpass internal projections.
The Hungarian airline’s WIZZ Class offering blocks the middle seat in the aircraft’s first row, providing additional space for the four remaining passengers. The upgrade includes complimentary beverages and snacks and is available as an add-on option for select fare packages.
Wizz Air launched the product in December 2025 on selected routes from Budapest, Bucharest Otopeni, Warsaw, London Luton, London Gatwick, and Rome Fiumicino. The carrier said business travelers particularly responded to the enhanced onboard experience.
The airline emphasized that the product requires no expensive cabin modifications and maintains the dense seating configurations that enable competitive pricing. Wizz Air operates 262 Airbus A320-family aircraft.
The premium push comes as the carrier navigates a challenging post-pandemic recovery. The airline has faced operational pressures in key markets and aircraft availability constraints linked to Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine inspections that have grounded portions of its fleet.
In recent months, Wizz Air has scaled back aggressive fleet expansion targets as it works to stabilize operations and financial performance.
The WIZZ Class rollout represents a tactical shift for the ultra-low-cost carrier, which has traditionally positioned itself at the budget end of the European aviation market. By offering a hybrid premium option without traditional business-class infrastructure, the airline aims to capture higher-yielding passengers while preserving its cost-efficient operational model.
Key Takeaways
- Wizz Air will expand its WIZZ Class premium seating across all routes after trial demand exceeded expectations on six initial European airports.
- The product blocks the middle seat in row one and includes complimentary refreshments, requiring no cabin reconfiguration.
- Business travelers have shown strong uptake of the offering, which is available as an add-on for certain fare bundles.
- The rollout occurs amid operational challenges, including Pratt & Whitney engine issues and moderated fleet growth plans across Wizz Air’s 262-aircraft Airbus fleet.
