New Airbus Aircraft Delayed

Wizz Air has confirmed further delays in the delivery of new Airbus commercial aircraft.

The jets, which are meant to power the renewal of the business, allowing for growth to occur across the company, have received a confirmed delay, although onlookers would’ve sensed this.

Wizz Air’s sizable order for 280 aircraft, which was scheduled to be delivered between now and 2030, will now be pushed back a further year, initially through 2031.

However, the budget European carrier is also making plans to expect a further year’s delay, which would see deliveries continue into 2032 and thus extend by two additional years than planned.

The delays will naturally impact the airlines’ renewal and continued bid to transition to the next-generation of aircraft, while also casting further doubt on the ability to grow at the initially intended rate.

Wizz Air, in its quarterly performance, stated that the overall growth rate over the next two to three years is expected to be nearly halved from the forecasted rate. The budget carrier initially hoped to achieve growth of 20%, but this will now likely be more like 10% to 12% due to the changing set of circumstances.

With the carrier departing the Middle East due to struggles, it has been a challenging period for the airline, which is now also withdrawing its full-year guidance.

Only from fiscal 2027 does the airline expect costs to begin improving, which will be aided by the retirement of the older A320 model, which has been delayed due to an inability to source replacement aircraft.

The retirement of the A320ceo family is directly tied to the ability to grow capacity, which is hindered by the many grounded planes.

Put simply, if Wizz Air cannot reactivate more of its Airbus planes and also receive them on time from the planemaker, the retirement of this older type at the desired speed will not be possible.

Wizz Air’s Other Airbus Struggles

Unfortunately for Wizz Air, the challenges in taking delivery of next-generation Airbus aircraft are not the only problems it faces in its day-to-day operation.

One of the leading headlines in the last week has been the airline’s decision to slash its commitment to the Airbus A321XLR, just months after taking delivery of the first unit.

The A321XLR, a matter of months ago, was meant to represent a new era for the company as it intended to develop its network with a greater focus on long-haul routes towards markets in the Middle East.

However, Wizz Air has now abruptly confirmed its exit from the Middle East, and as a result, will reduce its order tally for the A321XLR from almost 50 to the low double digits.

The decision is part of a realignment of focus for the business, with European services now receiving greater priority due to their superior performance, which is higher than what was observed when operating in Middle Eastern markets.

Airbus Groundings Hurt

Away from the reduction in flying the Airbus A321XLR, Wizz Air has also been highly vocal about the persistent challenges it has incurred due to the groundings of its planes.

As of June 30, 2025, the company confirmed that 41 planes were temporarily grounded due to engine-related inspections that needed to be conducted, with Pratt & Whitney at the heart of the challenges.

Moving forward, the number of grounded aircraft across F26 is estimated to be 35, which represents an improvement over the expected number from the last fiscal year. However, this doesn’t yet signify a recovery, which is much needed at the airline.

The inability to bring grounded aircraft back into service has impacted the renewal of the fleet and financial performance, with losses also creeping in.