Wizz Air is to expand its operations at Luton after buying slots at the airport from the administrator of Monarch Airlines.
The low-cost airline said it had acquired “a number” of take-off and landing slots that were formerly operated by Monarch, which collapsed on October 2.
The extra slots will allow Wizz to increase the number of aircraft based at Luton from five to seven in 2018 and add 28 new flights per week – this move will increase the airline’s capacity by 18 per cent to a total of 7.1 million seats.
Details of Wizz’s new routes from Luton will be announced in “due course” said the company.
Earlier this week, IAG acquired slots at Gatwick from Monarch’s administrator KPMG, which will be “primarily” used by British Airways.
Wizz CEO Jozsef Varadi said: “We continue to develop our business in the United Kingdom. Following the announcements of establishing Wizz Air UK and our accelerated growth plan, just a few days ago here we go again.
“Acquiring airport slots and airport nightstands at Luton airport will enable us to enhance our presence and competitive position in the London market.
“While Brexit will certainly pose challenges to the airline industry, we see it as an opportunity for Wizz Air, as our highly efficient low fare model will prevail even more under the new circumstances."