Wizz Air Celebrates Serving 100 Million Passengers in Italy
Wizz Air, widely recognized as Europe, the Middle East, and Africa’s most environmentally sustainable airline*, marked a remarkable achievement this week by celebrating the transportation of its 100 millionth passenger in Italy. The milestone was commemorated with a festive celebration at Rome Fiumicino Airport, the airline’s largest operational base in the country and a central hub in its European network. This occasion not only highlights the airline’s explosive growth over the past two decades but also underscores Italy’s pivotal role in Wizz Air’s ongoing expansion strategy.
The celebration of this landmark achievement took place at the departure gate for the Rome–Malaga flight, where passengers were welcomed into a festive atmosphere featuring complimentary refreshments, a celebratory cake, and a vibrant airport activation. One particularly lucky passenger—Wizz Air’s symbolic 100 millionth traveler in Italy—was awarded a €500 flight voucher valid across the airline’s entire network. This event was not a one-off; Wizz Air also teased additional surprise celebrations to take place on the streets of Rome on June 17, designed to share the joy of this milestone with the broader community.
To extend the celebration to its broader customer base, Wizz Air offered an exclusive one-day 10% discount on all flights to and from Italy across its entire network, available for bookings made on June 10 only. The campaign reflected the airline’s customer-centric approach and its appreciation for the loyal support of Italian travelers who have contributed to its ongoing success.
Italy: Wizz Air’s Largest and Fastest-Growing Market
Since its entry into the Italian market in 2004, Wizz Air has steadily grown its operations across the country, evolving from a newcomer in the low-cost aviation space to a dominant player with a far-reaching network. Italy has since become the single largest market for Wizz Air in terms of seat capacity, flight volume, and growth trajectory.
According to 2024 operational data, the airline conducted more than 91,000 flights to and from Italy, achieving a remarkable 99.5% completion rate—a testament to its operational reliability and efficiency. Over 18 million passengers flew with Wizz Air in Italy in 2024 alone, representing an 11.6% increase over the previous year. These figures culminate in the overarching milestone of 100 million passengers since the airline began operating in the Italian market.
This record not only demonstrates the popularity of Wizz Air’s services among Italian and international travelers, but it also reinforces the airline’s strategic focus on building a robust, sustainable, and value-driven presence in Italy. With over 200 routes connecting Italian cities to destinations across Europe and beyond, Wizz Air has become a key enabler of affordable travel and regional connectivity.
Rome Fiumicino: A Strategic Base and Growth Engine
Rome Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, plays a central role in Wizz Air’s Italian and European operations. The airport serves as Wizz Air’s largest base in Italy and a major strategic hub across its global network. Currently, the airline operates 60 direct routes from Fiumicino, connecting Rome to 25 countries and serving both mainstream and niche markets across the continent.
Rome Fiumicino’s reputation for excellence further amplifies Wizz Air’s operational advantage. The airport is one of only twelve globally to have received a coveted 5-star Skytrax rating for superior service quality and was recently ranked among the world’s top 10 airports by Skytrax. This premium infrastructure, combined with strategic location and customer-friendly facilities, makes Fiumicino an ideal base for expansion.
For the upcoming Summer 2025 schedule, Wizz Air has announced increased flight frequencies on some of its most popular routes departing from Rome. These include in-demand European capitals such as London, Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon, as well as iconic Mediterranean destinations like Corfu, Mykonos, Santorini, and Zakynthos. This expanded offering reflects growing customer demand and Wizz Air’s confidence in Rome as a sustainable growth hub.
Strategic Investments Backing Sustainable Growth
In addition to expanding its route network and passenger base, Wizz Air is backing its growth in Italy with substantial investments in infrastructure and human capital. Since October 1, 2024, the airline has operated a state-of-the-art Training Center at Rome Fiumicino, serving as a crucial facility for pilot and crew development, operational training, and ongoing professional development initiatives.
This infrastructure is complemented by a modern and fuel-efficient fleet. Wizz Air currently has 13 Airbus A321neo aircraft based in Rome—widely regarded as the most sustainable aircraft in their category. The airline has long prioritized fleet renewal and emission reduction as part of its broader commitment to environmental sustainability, and these efforts are especially visible in its Italian operations.
These investments have also translated into significant job creation. Over 600 direct jobs have been generated in Rome alone, spanning roles in operations, logistics, customer service, technical support, and training. Thousands more are indirectly supported through the airline’s partnerships with airports, tourism authorities, and service providers across the country.
Recognition and Praise from Industry Partners
The importance of this milestone and Wizz Air’s role in shaping Italy’s aviation landscape did not go unnoticed by industry stakeholders. Federico Scriboni, Director of Aviation Business Development at Aeroporti di Roma, shared his congratulations:
“We are delighted that Wizz Air chose Rome to celebrate such a prestigious national milestone – further proof of the strategic role Fiumicino plays in the development of air traffic in our country. We want to congratulate Wizz Air on reaching its first 100 million passengers transported in Italy and on the remarkable growth path it has taken.”
This acknowledgment underscores the collaborative relationship between Wizz Air and Italian aviation authorities in promoting accessibility, affordability, and tourism across the nation.
A Vision for Continued Expansion
Wizz Air’s vision for Italy does not end with the 100 million passenger mark. The airline has laid the groundwork for further expansion in 2025 and beyond. Key priorities include continued route diversification, increased frequencies on popular routes, and the introduction of new services connecting underserved destinations.
The airline is also focused on maintaining its industry-leading environmental standards. Recognized for three consecutive years (2022–2024) by the CAPA – Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence, Wizz Air has consistently held the distinction of having the lowest CO₂ emissions per revenue passenger kilometer (RPK) among all European and global airlines. Its ongoing investments in the Airbus A321neo fleet and operational efficiencies are key pillars of its sustainability strategy.
Celebrating a Journey, Empowering the Future
The celebration of 100 million passengers in Italy is more than a numerical milestone—it is a symbol of Wizz Air’s profound impact on the Italian travel landscape. From enabling affordable travel and boosting regional connectivity to creating jobs and championing sustainable aviation, Wizz Air has become an integral part of Italy’s transport and tourism ecosystem.
As the airline continues to grow, its focus remains firmly on delivering value, expanding access, and building a greener future for air travel. With Italy firmly at the center of its European strategy, Wizz Air’s next 100 million passengers are likely to arrive even faster.