Wizz Air left its passengers stranded in Debrecen, Eastern Hungary, on New Year’s Eve due to a technical fault with a de-icer. However, a passenger has claimed the actual reason was the lack of pilots with sufficient experience to fly in foggy conditions. Furthermore, the passenger alleged that the Hungarian airline failed to compensate those affected. Wizz Air has rejected all such allegations. Meanwhile, the Hungary-based low-cost carrier has announced how many of its planes must remain grounded due to issues with Pratt & Whitney engines.
Wizz Air left passengers in Debrecen for one day
According to index.hu, despite assurances, Wizz Air has not compensated passengers left stranded in Debrecen on New Year’s Eve. The publication also noted in its article that British travellers voted Wizz Air the worst budget airline of 2024.
Based on a passenger’s account, Wizz Air’s inability to fly from Debrecen was attributed to a fault in the de-icer. However, one of the three pilots informed passengers that the flight could not depart because the pilots lacked both the authorisation and experience required to operate the aircraft in foggy weather conditions. This pilot also revealed that the aircraft was being used for training purposes.
The Wizz Air crew reportedly assured passengers they would receive compensation for the inconvenience caused by the cancelled flight. However, a reader of Index claimed they had received no such compensation. Despite the late hour, the airline did not provide passengers with taxis or accommodation but promised to reimburse expenses upon submission of invoices.
The passenger further alleged that another Wizz Air aircraft was present in Debrecen on New Year’s Eve but was not used as a substitute. They believe that the de-icer on this second aircraft was functional since it successfully took off for London Luton on New Year’s Day. The passenger accused Wizz Air of providing false information to avoid mandatory compensation, blaming the de-icer fault as a pretext.
In an official statement to Index, Wizz Air confirmed there was an issue with the de-icer and explained that the flight was rescheduled to 1 January due to the unexpected technical fault. However, the airline did not disclose how many of its planes were in Debrecen on New Year’s Eve. Wizz Air stated that since the airport could not repair the de-icer until the following day, the London Luton flight was only able to depart on New Year’s Day.
The airline also confirmed that passengers were entitled to claim compensation for expenses caused by the flight’s rescheduling. However, they noted that only one such claim had been received so far.
Private jet baulked Wizz Air plane’s take-off
On 2 January, a Wizz Air flight was unable to take off from Tenerife because a private jet blocked the runway, causing delays to the schedules of several airlines. As a result, approximately 180 passengers were unable to travel to Vienna from the Spanish island.
Wizz Air informed Telex that the delayed flight eventually departed on 3 January at 8:34 p.m. The budget airline stated that passengers had been kept informed about the changes and rescheduling options and had been provided with meal vouchers.
At least 40 Wizz Air planes remain grounded until next spring
Due to issues with Pratt & Whitney engines, Wizz Air must keep at least 40 of its aircraft grounded for maintenance, according to Airportal. The airline has signed an agreement with Pratt & Whitney regarding compensation for the disruptions.
Meanwhile, the Hungarian low-cost carrier is set to receive at least 50 new Airbus A321neo jets by spring 2026, which will increase its seat capacity by 20%. By next spring, 77% of the airline’s fleet will consist of sustainable, low-emission, new-generation A321neo planes.
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