Wizz Air Ukraine (ICAO: WAU, IATA: WU) was a Ukrainian low-cost airline and a subsidiary of the Hungarian Wizz Air. The airline ceased operations on April 19, 2015, due to the economic crisis and instability in the region caused by the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Wizz Air Ukraine was established on July 11, 2008, as the Ukrainian division of the Hungarian Wizz Air. It commenced domestic operations with a single Airbus A320 and later expanded to include international flights. The airline's primary operational base was Kyiv Zhuliany International Airport, with additional operations from Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport. In October 2013, Wizz Air Ukraine briefly opened a second base at Donetsk International Airport, deploying one aircraft and launching six new routes, but this base was closed by April 2014 due to the war in Donbas.
By April 2015, the Wizz Air Ukraine fleet consisted of four Airbus A320-200 aircraft. Its route network focused on connecting Ukrainian cities, initially domestically and later internationally, primarily to destinations in Europe. When the airline ceased operations, some routes to and from Kyiv, particularly half of those to Germany, were taken over by the parent company, Wizz Air Hungary Ltd., while others to Italy, Spain, Russia, and Georgia were discontinued entirely. As a low-cost carrier, Wizz Air Ukraine did not hold membership in any major airline alliances such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld, nor did it offer distinct cabin classes beyond standard economy service. Plans for a potential relaunch of Wizz Air Ukraine were announced in November 2018, proposing a fleet of up to 20 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft by 2025, but these plans have not materialized due to the ongoing conflict.
As Wizz Air Ukraine ceased operations on April 19, 2015, there are no recent traveler reviews or experiences specific to this defunct airline. Traveler feedback pertaining to Wizz Air's operations in Ukraine after this date, and general sentiment towards the parent company Wizz Air, often highlights its nature as an ultra-low-cost carrier.
What Travelers Love (regarding the parent Wizz Air, prior to current airspace closure):
Common Complaints (regarding the parent Wizz Air, prior to current airspace closure):
Overall Sentiment Summary: While Wizz Air (the parent company) is appreciated for its low base fares, passengers consistently emphasize the need to be fully aware of and account for numerous additional fees to avoid unexpected costs. The experience is generally considered suitable for short-haul travel for those prioritizing budget over amenities and extensive service.
Given that Wizz Air Ukraine ceased operations in 2015, specific recent safety information or regulatory certifications for this defunct entity are not applicable. However, as a former subsidiary of Wizz Air, it would have adhered to the operational and safety standards of its parent company during its active years.
Recent safety record and any notable incidents: Wizz Air Ukraine operated without any widely reported significant incidents during its operational period. The parent company, Wizz Air, has a strong safety record and has been consistently rated among the world's safest low-cost carriers. For example, AirlineRatings.com awarded Wizz Air a seven-star safety rating for multiple years and included it in its top five safest low-cost airlines globally for 2024.
Regulatory certifications: The main Wizz Air group operates under European Union aviation safety regulations, which are recognized as among the most stringent globally. While specific IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) or FAA compliance details for the defunct Wizz Air Ukraine are not explicitly available, the parent company maintains high standards. Airlines on the EU safety list (formerly known as the EU blacklist) are deemed unsafe, and Wizz Air (the parent company) has never been on this list.
Fleet age and maintenance reputation: Wizz Air Ukraine operated Airbus A320-200 aircraft. The parent company, Wizz Air, is known for operating one of the youngest fleets in the industry, primarily consisting of Airbus A320 and A321 family aircraft. In 2021, its fleet had an average age of just over five years, with a stated aim to reduce this to an average of three years by 2025 across all its divisions. A young fleet generally implies newer technology and potentially lower maintenance requirements, contributing positively to its safety profile.
Overall safety assessment based on available data: Based on the reputation and consistent high safety ratings of its parent company, Wizz Air, it can be inferred that Wizz Air Ukraine, during its operational years, maintained a commendable safety standard. The larger Wizz Air group is recognized as a safe airline, adhering to rigorous European aviation safety protocols and investing in a modern fleet.
Any safety awards or recognitions: The parent company, Wizz Air, has received numerous accolades for its safety record, including being rated among the world's top 5 and top 10 safest low-cost airlines by AirlineRatings.com. It earned a 7-star safety rating for consistently maintaining an excellent safety culture and low incident rates.
| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATL → JFK |
John F Kennedy Intl
New York
|
10 | 1191 mi | A21N | Nov 25, 2025 |
| BED → TEB |
Teterboro
Teterboro
|
9 | 265 mi | B350 | Nov 18, 2025 |
| PDK → SSI |
St Simons Island
St Simons Island
|
8 | 254 mi | B350 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| LUK → CMH |
John Glenn Columbus Intl Airport
Columbus
|
8 | 103 mi | B350 | Nov 24, 2025 |
| CHO → HPN |
Westchester County
White Plains
|
7 | 443 mi | B350 | Nov 10, 2025 |
| PDK → ECP |
Northwest Florida Beaches Intl
Panama City
|
6 | 259 mi | B350 | Nov 2, 2025 |
| TLH → GIF |
Winter Haven Rgnl
Winter Haven
|
6 | 240 mi | BE40 | Nov 16, 2025 |
| SCE → TEB |
Teterboro
Teterboro
|
6 | 203 mi | B350 | Nov 20, 2025 |
| JFK → ACK |
Nantucket Meml
Nantucket
|
6 | 228 mi | E55P | Nov 25, 2025 |
| LUK → ECP |
Northwest Florida Beaches Intl
Panama City
|
6 | 610 mi | BE40 | Dec 1, 2025 |
| AVL → LAL |
Lakeland Linder Intl
Lakeland
|
5 | 516 mi | E55P | Dec 1, 2025 |
| PDK → LUK |
Cincinnati Muni
Cincinnati
|
5 | 388 mi | B350 | Oct 31, 2025 |
| BED → TVC |
Cherry Capital
Traverse City
|
5 | 732 mi | C750 | Nov 13, 2025 |
| PDK → CLT |
Charlotte/Douglas Intl
Charlotte
|
5 | 237 mi | BE40 | Nov 20, 2025 |
| TEB → BOS |
Boston Logan Intl
Boston
|
5 | 189 mi | BE40 | Nov 25, 2025 |
| CHA → RDU |
Raleigh-Durham Intl
Raleigh/Durham
|
4 | 474 mi | B350 | Dec 5, 2025 |
| ASE → HPN |
Westchester County
White Plains
|
4 | 1822 mi | C750 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| LUK → CHO |
Charlottesville-Albemarle
Charlottesville
|
4 | 329 mi | BE40 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| TEB → HPN |
Westchester County
White Plains
|
4 | 68 mi | BE40 | Dec 7, 2025 |
| HHH → BNA |
Nashville Intl
Nashville
|
4 | 436 mi | B350 | Sep 4, 2025 |
| TEB → ACK |
Nantucket Meml
Nantucket
|
4 | 210 mi | B350 | Sep 20, 2025 |
| BED → ACK |
Nantucket Meml
Nantucket
|
4 | 109 mi | BE40 | Oct 20, 2025 |
| STS → OAK |
Oakland Intl
Oakland
|
4 | 63 mi | C750 | Nov 1, 2025 |
| LUK → TEB |
Teterboro
Teterboro
|
4 | 600 mi | E55P | Nov 4, 2025 |
| LUK → PDK |
Dekalb-Peachtree
Atlanta
|
4 | 377 mi | BE40 | Nov 9, 2025 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.