Shares in European budget carrier Wizz Air (WIZZ) recently hit a 52-week low of £10.36 (26 June) as the airline struggles to get a handle on its GTF (geared turbofan) woes and ongoing conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, two of its key markets, disrupt the travel industry.

In 2023, Wizz grounded 13 aircraft due to powder metal issues with PW1100G-JM GTF engines, but this had risen to 33 aircraft by the end of January 2024.

As of 9 May 2025, Wizz Air had 37 aircraft on the ground because of GTF engine-related matters, and the company expects 34 aircraft to remain grounded by the end of the first half of full year 2026.

Adding to the company’s woes, on 5 June it reported an annual profit lower than its reduced guidance from January and withdrew its full year 2026 outlook altogether.

Despite growth in its fleet, destinations, passenger numbers and revenue, Wizz needs to ensure it isn’t eclipsed by less flailing budget airlines, say analysts.

AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould commented: ‘Wizz Air used to be the aggressive growth player in the industry, with talk that it tried to buy EasyJet in 2021.

‘The tables have now turned, and it is being left behind. With its shares trading at a fraction of their peak, failure to resolve its problems could see Wizz turn from predator to prey.’ 

DISCLAIMER: Financial services company AJ Bell referenced in this article owns Shares magazine. The author of this article (Sabuhi Gard) and the editor (Ian Conway) own shares in AJ Bell.

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