Wizz Air to Launch Flights from Arad

Central and Eastern European low-cost carrier Wizz Air has confirmed it will introduce operations from Arad International Airport from June this year, marking the resumption of commercial scheduled air services from the city in West Romania. It will launch a twice weekly connection to Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, or Milan Bergamo as it is better known by budget airlines, from June 23, 2012.

Arad is situated in the historical Crişana region of western Romania an important industrial centre and transportation hub on the Mureş River. However, it is located just 60 miles north of Timișoara, one of Romania’s largest cities and most air services use the nearby Traian Vuia International Airport, the third largest facility in the country.

Wizz Air already serves the Bergamo - Timișoara route and the new Arad flights have been scheduled to complement its existing operation meaning it will offer services on six days into this region of Romania. The airline says there is strong demand from here to Northern Italy, a popular destination for both business and leisure travellers. In the past year an estimated 68,000 O&D passengers travelled between Bergamo and Timișoara, up 11.2 per cent on the previous 12 months. Wizz Air has seen its own demand on the route slip by around four per cent during this period, although it still holds around an 80 per cent share of the traffic.

The launch of a single route to Arad is likely to be a test of the water and additional expansion could be likely in the future. Wizz Air says this is an “initial investment” to expand the coverage of service between Romania and Northern Italy but its Chief Commercial Officer, György Abrán hints at further growth. “We remain committed to serving the region and anticipate growth of our operations in the future,” he said.