RE: Reaction from Varadi11 Oct 2025 10:03
Google Translate;
O'Leary relies on loud declarations and media provocations, while Váradi relies on arguments and financial results. Their styles differ, but they share one thing: a determination to fight for the position of European skies leader. The Wizz Air CEO responded to his competitor's accusations.
The Ryanair CEO has been known for his harsh statements for years, eager to seize every opportunity to comment on the situation of his competitors. In a recent interview with Pasazer.com, he suggested that some airlines, including Wizz Air, might not survive the next several months.
This is another in a series of public predictions of imminent collapse—he has made similar comments in the past about other Ryanair competitors.
These words prompted a swift response from the Hungarian carrier. During our conversation in Gdańsk, Wizz Air CEO József Váradi addressed the statement, making it clear that what O'Leary was saying was nonsense and there was no reason to worry about the company's financial health.
Wizz Air is doing well, better than Ryanair.
Varadi firmly rejected allegations regarding the carrier's financial health, emphasizing that the figures contradicted such claims. He noted that Wizz Air's liquidity ratios are currently better than Ryanair's, which, in his opinion, best demonstrates the company's true stability. He added that despite the long-standing presence of competitors in the market, Wizz Air remains the leading carrier in Central and Eastern Europe.
"I can only describe this in one word: it's nonsense. It's evident in our financial results. Our liquidity ratios are better than Ryanair's, and that's the best measure of an airline's health. You can also see that our competitors have been flying for many years, but we are still the leading carrier in this region of Europe," commented József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air.
Competition is a Natural Element.
Varadi emphasized that Wizz Air focuses on its own strategy and is not concerned about its competitors' actions. He noted that if other airlines try to imitate the Hungarian carrier's solutions, it only confirms their effectiveness. He believes competition is a positive phenomenon, as it increases passenger choice. He also added that Wizz Air derives great satisfaction from market competition and views it as a natural element of the aviation industry.
"We do what we believe is right. If our competitors can only copy it, they will simply do so. Our role is not to manage their operations. Competition is naturally a good thing because it gives people choice. We are a company that enjoys competing, and we do it with great satisfaction," he added.
No Obsession with Competition.
Váradi's statement makes it clear that Wizz Air doesn't intend to define its strategy through the prism of Ryanair's actions. The Hungarian airline's CEO has been reiterating for years that the company focuses on long-term development and efficiency, not media battles.
Sign In
Follow the stocks
