The year so far has served as a reminder that, for all the volatilities that exist, the air travel sector remains a growing industry. That growth, however, is far from uniform.
Fresh reminders of that came in June, as disruption from military conflict in the Middle East contributed to the slowest month of air travel growth for the year. But while International Air Transport Association (IATA) data showed passenger traffic growth slowed to 2.1% in June, it was back up at 4% by July – just below the year-to-date traffic growth average of 5% so.

The industry has long built resilience to demand shocks and supply challenges. As one market closes, another opportunity opens.

Wizz Air is one example of an airline that has needed to demonstrate adaptability. Hard hit by the engine challenges that have grounded a portion of its Pratt & Whitney GTF-powered Airbus A320neo-family jets, the carrier has now pulled the plug on its Abu Dhabi joint venture carrier. In this instance, continued aircraft availability challenges combined with access to key markets – or rather a lack of it – to prompt the carrier to call time on the fledgling venture.

This means the ambitious low-cost carrier’s expansion, at least in the near-term, will focus closer to home on its traditional core markets of Central and Eastern Europe – where it continues to see plenty of room for growth.
There must always be a balance between near-term practicalities and longer-term ambitions. Wizz has not been short of ambition, but circumstances have played against it.