Wizz Air, renowned as the world’s leading environmentally sustainable airline, is poised to make a significant stride in long-distance travel with the introduction of its first Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft. This state-of-the-art aircraft will be stationed at London Gatwick, marking a pivotal moment for the airline’s UK operations.
Come March 2025, Wizz Air will inaugurate direct daily flights between London Gatwick and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, offering passengers an unparalleled travel experience. This new route signifies a bold step in Wizz Air’s rapid expansion strategy, connecting diverse cultures and economies through affordable air travel.
The A321XLR, with its enhanced range and efficiency, allows Wizz Air to reach distant destinations, offering passengers the convenience of direct flights at competitive fares. Flights are currently available for booking on wizzair.com and the official Wizz Air app, with fares starting at just £134.99.
This nearly 7-hour journey to Jeddah is just the beginning of the A321XLR’s impact. Wizz Air is also set to launch a daily service between Milan Malpensa and Abu Dhabi beginning June 2, 2025, utilizing another A321XLR aircraft.
Wizz Air’s commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in its operations. The A321XLR is designed to be at least 30% more carbon-efficient compared to other carriers operating similar routes, reinforcing the airline’s leadership in eco-conscious air travel.
József Váradi, Wizz Air’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the new route and the A321XLR’s capabilities. He stated, “The Airbus A321XLR is the most cost-efficient aircraft in its class. Its enhanced range capability allows Wizz Air to connect the farthest destinations in its network, while also providing opportunities for further expansion, connecting more cultures, economies and continents. We are excited to offer unbeatable fares to our customers on the new route from London Gatwick to Jeddah.”
The decision to base the A321XLR at London Gatwick underscores Wizz Air’s dedication to strengthening its presence in the UK market. Since establishing its second UK base at London Gatwick in October 2020, Wizz Air has experienced substantial growth, currently operating five Airbus A321neo aircraft and offering flights to 26 destinations across 17 countries. The airline employs 259 staff at London Gatwick, highlighting its commitment to the UK’s aviation industry.
Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick, welcomed Wizz Air’s decision, stating, “We’re delighted that Wizz Air has decided to operate its first A321XLR based in the UK from London Gatwick. Wizz Air has grown consistently since opening its base here in 2020. This new type of aircraft will allow us to provide a wider range of routes and increase our capacity, offering our passengers even more travel opportunities.”
Wizz Air’s dedication to providing a seamless and efficient travel experience for its customers is evident in its consistent investments in operations and customer service. The airline boasts a 99.5% flight completion rate in the UK for 2024, with a perfect 100% completion in both February and May. Wizz Air’s on-time performance for UK flights has also improved by 11%, reaching 70%, while flight cancellations have decreased by 28%.
Route Details:
| Route | Frequency | Fares From | Starts |
|—|—|—|—|
| London Gatwick – Jeddah | Daily | £134.99 | 31 March 2025 |
