Wizz Air celebrates twenty years at Brussels South Charleroi Airport: The airline has carried over eleven million passengers over the course of two decades

Cover - 20 ans Wizz Air

CHARLEROI, 23 September 2024 – In 2004, a new airline was launched in Eastern Europe: Wizz Air. Its goal? To become a major player in Central and Eastern European air transport and democratize air travel. Shortly afterwards, in July 2004, the partnership between Wizz Air and Brussels South Charleroi Airport was established. The airline then launched its first flights between the capital of Hungary, Budapest, and Brussels-Charleroi. Over the course of twenty years, Wizz Air, now a loyal partner, has given eleven million travellers the opportunity to take off from BSCA.

We take a look back at this successful partnership.

 

July 2004: Wizz Air’s first Airbus A320, recognisable thanks to its bright colours, touched down on the tarmac at Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Success came quickly. The increase in air traffic between Eastern and Western Europe helped the airline expand its flights to Budapest. Two months after its launch, the frequency of connections between the capital of Hungary and Brussels-Charleroi went from four flights a week to one a day. In September 2004, Warsaw-Chopin was added to the range of destinations offered by Wizz Air from Brussels South Charleroi Airport.

‘And that was just the beginning!’ observes Philippe VERDONCK, Chief Executive Officer of Brussels South Charleroi Airport. ‘Over the last twenty years, the relationship between Wizz Air and BSCA has gone from strength to strength. More than eleven million passengers have passed through our airport thanks to Wizz Air. This has proved to be a huge boost to what we can offer from our airport hub. Today, the airline is a major carrier for BSCA’s travellers.’

Two decades later, Brussels-Charleroi has become a significant hub for Wizz Air. Originally there were two destinations available: now there are many more. New routes to Central and Eastern Europe have been added to the range of destinations available at a steady pace. The airline now flies to thirteen destinations in eight European countries (Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, North Macedonia, Poland and Romania).

Sasha VISLAUS, Communications Manager at Wizz Air, adds: ‘We are proud to celebrate 20 years of operations at Charleroi Airport, during which we have transported over 11 million passengers, offering affordable travel opportunities across Europe and beyond. With a growing network of nearly 800 routes to nearly 200 destinations in 53 countries, Wizz Air remains dedicated to making air travel accessible to everyone. Our fleet of state-of-the-art A320/321neo aircraft reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation, ensuring that our passengers enjoy both comfort and low-cost fares. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Charleroi Airport, connecting even more travellers to their dream destinations.’

Cécile NEVEN, Walloon Minster for Airports: ‘A long-standing partner of Charleroi, Wizz Air allows us to travel between Wallonia and Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the Balkans. In addition to strengthening European ties, these flights have also allowed some passengers to feel closer to their loved ones. The airline is a key player, both for Charleroi Airport and for Wallonia, and we are proud to celebrate this wonderful partnership.’

The celebration was a special occasion for passengers, who enjoyed special commemorative cupcakes and sign specially prepared board. Additionally, they had the opportunity to capture the moment with a custom Wizz Air photo frame, adding a personal touch to this memorable occasion.