Jet fuel prices surged after the Iran conflict, pushing Wizz Air to a net loss of €198mn for the period April‑June, versus a €38.4mn profit a year earlier. The carrier blamed the 21 % rise in unit fuel costs, new aircraft purchases, depreciation of older planes and foreign‑exchange moves. CEO Jozsef Varadi said the business still boasts a strong balance sheet with more than €2bn in cash.

The surge in fuel costs has hit airlines across Europe, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Ryanair’s profits fell a third, while easy Jet lost more than two‑thirds. Despite the loss, Wizz Air saw revenues rise 5.5 % to €1.5bn and passenger numbers climb 25 % to 21.2mn.

Analysts warn that the airline’s rapid fleet expansion has reduced its revenue per available seat kilometre by 8 %. Forward bookings remain robust, but the rest of the year is expected to present both challenges and opportunities for the Budapest‑based carrier.