Representatives from the low-cost airline Wizz Air have held discussions with the Slovenian government for the first time in two years. In a meeting earlier this month with the Ministry for Infrastructure and the Slovenian Civil Aviation Agency, the airline explored the potential introduction of new routes under the government’s subsidy program aimed at improving air connectivity.
“Due to operational needs in the event of a decision to establish scheduled international flights to an airport in Slovenia, Wizz Air sought to obtain key information in advance regarding the state aid scheme for airlines launching new routes. Given that subsidies under the current Public Tender for Greater Air Connectivity in Slovenia are available only until October 31, 2025, the airline was particularly interested in the prospects for the continuation of this measure,” the government stated.
Wizz Air currently operates just three weekly flights to Slovenia, servicing the Skopje-Ljubljana route, which was launched in September 2023 with financial support from the Macedonian government. The route has demonstrated strong performance, carrying 54,602 passengers in 2024 with an average cabin load factor of 95.4%. The airline plans to increase frequencies between the two capitals from three to four weekly flights starting next month. However, Wizz Air previously discontinued its London Luton–Ljubljana service in February 2023.
Wizz Air first entered the Slovenian market in May 2006 with flights from Charleroi and London. Both routes were discontinued in January 2008 but later reinstated in 2012. The Charleroi service was ultimately suspended again in 2022.
Ljubljana Airport has been actively working to increase the presence of low-cost carriers (LCCs). Last year, Babett Stapel, CEO of airport operator Fraport Slovenija, stated, “We have several objectives, but one of the biggest challenges is increasing the share of low-cost carriers. We have strong coverage by full-service airlines, but LCCs would significantly contribute to our business. That doesn’t mean we aim to become a low-cost hub.”
Ms. Stapel added, “Currently, low-cost carriers account for about 20% of our traffic, and we aim to increase this share to 30%. However, as we are not a hub airport, our connectivity relies on serving major hubs, which LCCs do not necessarily do.”
Next month, Eurowings will become the latest low-cost airline to launch operations at Ljubljana Airport with flights from Düsseldorf. Meanwhile, Europe’s largest LCC, Ryanair, has ruled out launching flights to the Slovenian capital, citing high airport fees.
Source: exyuaviation.com
