Wizz Air Launches New Flights to Albania’s Coast for Just £20

Budget carrier expands UK connections to the ‘Maldives of Europe’

Travellers seeking sun-drenched beaches and affordability have a new option as Wizz Air introduces direct flights from London Gatwick to Tirana, Albania. This expansion taps into Albania’s growing reputation as a stunning, yet budget-friendly, European destination.

Expanded European Access

Starting October 26, 2025, Wizz Air will offer five weekly services connecting the UK capital to Albania’s capital city. This new route complements the airline’s existing operations from London Luton to Tirana, significantly increasing accessibility for British holidaymakers.

Tickets for this new service are slated to begin at an enticing £19.99. The flights will be operated by the Airbus A321neo, an aircraft Wizz Air highlights for its market-leading efficiency in the single-aisle segment.

Yvonne Moynihan, Wizz Air UK’s Managing Director, expressed enthusiasm for the new route. She stated:

“We are delighted to announce our new route from London Gatwick to Tirana, adding to our existing routes from London Luton. With Albania increasingly recognised as the ‘Maldives of Europe’, this route allows more of our customers to discover untapped destinations across southeastern Europe.”

—Yvonne Moynihan, Managing Director, Wizz Air UK

Moynihan added that this flight marks Wizz Air’s 88th route from London this year. The airline is committed to investing in its fleet to offer cost-effective and distinctive travel experiences.

Albania’s coastline, often dubbed the ‘Maldives of Europe’, attracts a growing number of British tourists each year.

Airline’s Growing Reach

Last year, Wizz Air made history by becoming the first low-cost carrier to launch UK flights to Saudi Arabia. This move into long-haul travel utilized the new Airbus A321XLR, promising competitive fares for journeys up to 4,300 miles.

Major UK airline launches flights to the ‘Maldives of Europe’ for just £20 — Wizz Air has announced a new route from London Gatwick to Tirana, Albania, increasing travel options for Britons.

The airline began services from Gatwick to Jeddah on March 31, 2025. The advanced A321XLR aircraft boasts extended fuel capacity, enabling flights of up to 11 hours and a 30% reduction in fuel consumption per seat compared to older models, according to Airbus.

The new Wizz Air service from London Gatwick to Tirana commences on October 26, 2025, with five flights per week.

Jozsef Varadi, Wizz Air’s CEO, highlighted the strategic importance of the A321XLR:

“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.”

—Jozsef Varadi, CEO, Wizz Air

He further commented on the Gatwick to Jeddah route:

“We are excited to offer unbeatable fares to our customers on the new route from London Gatwick to Jeddah. 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.”

—Jozsef Varadi, CEO, Wizz Air

Flights on the new route will utilize the Airbus A321neo, with tickets starting from £19.99.

Albania’s tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, with its pristine coastline and cultural heritage drawing in visitors. In 2023, Albania welcomed over 10 million tourists, a notable increase from previous years, signaling its rising popularity as a European travel hotspot (World Bank, 2024).

Conflicting Flight Status Updates

Daniel, a Jetstar Asia customer, discovered a discrepancy between the airline’s email notifications and information provided by its customer service hotline. He received confirmation that his Bangkok trip was cancelled, prompting him to seek alternative flights. However, when his friend contacted Jetstar Asia, they were informed the same flight was still scheduled to depart.

Daniel expressed his uncertainty about a separate trip to Okinawa, stating “I’m wondering, when would they tell me about it? Or how late would they tell me about it?”.

The situation highlights a lack of clarity surrounding which flights will be affected as Jetstar Asia reduces its schedule prior to its final closure. According to a recent report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airline cancellations globally rose by 15% in the first quarter of 2025, largely due to operational challenges and staffing shortages. IATA Report

Airline Ceases Operations After Two Decades

The Singapore-based airline, a subsidiary of Qantas Group, announced its decision to cease operations on Wednesday, June 11th. Jetstar Asia stated that flights would operate on a progressively reduced schedule leading up to the final shutdown date. The airline did not provide specific details regarding the extent of the schedule reductions.

Jetstar Asia’s sudden announcement about its closure on Wednesday morning has left some customers confused and frustrated. (PHOTO: Fabrizio Gandolfo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Customers seeking more information about the Jetstar Asia closure are encouraged to visit Channel NewsAsia for further details.

The airline’s closure adds to a growing trend of regional airlines facing financial pressures and operational difficulties in the post-pandemic travel landscape. Passengers are advised to stay informed and proactively confirm their flight statuses with Jetstar Asia or alternative carriers.

Gatwick airport

Major UK airline launches flights to the ‘Maldives of Europe’ for just £20

Wizz Air Launches New Flights to Albania’s Coast for Just £20

Budget carrier expands UK connections to the ‘Maldives of Europe’

Expanded European Access

Airline’s Growing Reach

Jetstar Asia closure: Some customers confused, frustrated by poor communication; Air India plane crashes at Ahmedabad airport in India: Singapore live news

Jetstar Asia Closure Leaves Passengers in Limbo

Conflicting Information Adds to Customer Frustration

Conflicting Flight Status Updates

Airline Ceases Operations After Two Decades