Minister Raz: New Bratislava-Kosice Air Route to Be Served by Wizz Air

Bratislava, 22 August (TASR) - A new air route between Bratislava and Kosice will be served by Wizz Air, Transport Minister Jozef Raz (a Smer-SD nominee) revealed at a news conference on Friday, adding that the first flight should take place as early as this November. The flights will be operated with Airbus A321/A32O aircraft with a capacity of 230 seats. The subsidy for the route will amount to €5.2 million instead of the originally estimated €9 million. According to Raz, there were five applicants in the tender, two of which eventually submitted bids. "First of all, I would like to announce to you that the winning carrier, which submitted the best bid for this air route, is Wizz Air. The aircraft that will be used for the route is an Airbus with a capacity of some 230 seats. The first flight is expected in November 2025," said Raz. According to the minister, passengers will need to arrive at the airport only 40 minutes before departure. "Flights will take place every day of the week, on Mondays and Fridays even twice. On weekdays and on Saturdays Wizz Air will fly at 6.30 a.m. from Bratislava and at 8.05 a.m. from Kosice. On Mondays and Fridays it will fly at 4.20 p.m. from Bratislava and at 5.55 p.m. from Kosice. On Sundays it will depart in the evening, at 9 p.m. from Bratislava and at 10.35 p.m. from Kosice," elaborated Raz, adding that the Transport Ministry will inform the public about the exact date and time of the first flight in due time. One-way air fares will start from €19.99. "They were already capped in the tender conditions, namely at €75 for a one-way flight (without luggage) and at €85 (with checked luggage). The price of a return ticket will start at €39.98. The ceiling fare was set by us at €150 (without luggage) and at €170 (with checked luggage). The price of the air ticket will depend on how far in advance you buy it, or on the level of occupancy of the given aircraft, as is the case with any other airline," said the minister. The impact that the route will have on the state budget will be negligible compared to how much it will subsequently bring into it. "It will have a multiplying effect on GDP growth. I believe that the route will help to enhance trade relations. At the same time, two large companies have announced that they will establish a base at Bratislava airport," added Raz. ko/df