Wizz Air Celebrates 500 Million Passengers and Expands Roma Fiumicino Base
Rome, January 15, 2026 – Wizz Air, a prominent European low-cost airline, celebrated a major milestone yesterday, January 14, at Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport. The airline announced it has carried 500 million passengers since its operations began in 2004. This symbolic event, hosted at the Roman airport, underscores the crucial role of the Italian capital in Wizz Air’s European expansion strategy.
500 Millionth Passenger Celebrated at Fiumicino
The 500 millionth passenger boarded a flight from Rome to Yerevan, highlighting Fiumicino’s strategic importance as one of Wizz Air’s primary Italian bases. To commemorate the occasion, the airline distributed 100 Golden Tickets, each worth 50 euros, on four selected flights departing from the airport.
József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air, stated, "Surpassing the 500 million passenger mark is a fundamental moment for Wizz Air and a clear testament to the strength of our long-term vision. Celebrating this milestone in Rome holds special significance, as Fiumicino has become the engine of our growth in Italy and a pillar of our European network."
16th Aircraft and Network Expansion Announced
During the event, Wizz Air also announced the arrival of its 16th Airbus A321neo aircraft to be based at Rome Fiumicino. Váradi added, "The addition of our 16th aircraft reinforces our commitment to the Capital, allowing us to open new routes, enhance key frequencies, create new jobs in Italy, and offer even more affordable travel opportunities."
Thanks to this new capacity, Wizz Air’s Roman network is set to grow to 75 destinations in 2026, introducing new connections to various European and Mediterranean cities with competitive fares. Increased frequencies are also planned for strategic routes such as Barcelona, Paris Orly, and Budapest, alongside a strengthened summer schedule to the Balearic Islands, Greece, and several Italian destinations.
Rome at the Core of Wizz Air’s Italian Strategy
In 2025, Wizz Air transported 6.8 million passengers to and from Rome Fiumicino, achieving a flight completion rate of 99.7%. The airline’s presence in the capital extends beyond flight offerings; Fiumicino hosts Wizz Air’s second Training Centre, after Budapest, equipped with three flight simulators operating seven days a week.
The company’s ties with the region are further strengthened by communication initiatives and a long-term partnership with AS Roma, contributing to the brand’s local footprint. This deep-rooted presence, according to the airline, is expected to continue growing in the coming years, aiming to bring Rome even closer to the rest of Europe and the Mediterranean.
