Wizz Air to base long-haul aircraft at London Gatwick

European budget airline Wizz Air is to base its first long-haulAirbus A321XLR aircraft at London Gatwick airport.

Wizz Air said that the aircraft will join its Gatwick operations in March 2025 and start daily flights to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from 31 March.

The company said its decision to base the new aircraft at Gatwick reflects a “commitment to strengthen its UK presence”. Wizz currently has five Airbus A321neo aircraft based at Gatwick and currently operates 26 routes from the airport.

Wizz will also base another new A321XLR at Milan Malpensa airport in Italy next year, with flight to Abu Dhabi starting from 2 June.

The A321XLR is a single-aisle or narrowbody aircraft with an extended flying range of 4,700 nautical miles and can carry up to 220 passengers.

The new long-haul routes from London and Milan to the Middle East will both have flying times of around seven hours.

József Váradi, Wizz Air’s CEO, said: “The Airbus A321XLR is the most cost-efficient aircraft in its class. Its enhanced range capability allows Wizz Air to connect the farthest destinations in its network, while also providing opportunities for further expansion, connecting more cultures, economies and continents.

“Since establishing our base at London Gatwick in 2020, we have demonstrated ambitious growth, making it a natural, strategic decision to operate our first Airbus A321XLR from this airport.”

Last month, Wizz Air announced its “All You Can Fly” membership programme allowing customers to buy last-minute flights for a flat booking fee of £9 per segment.