Wizz Air Launches Bratislava-Kosice Air Route with First Flight

Kosice, 21 November (TASR) - A new air route between Bratislava and Kosice to be served by Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air nine times a week using an Airbus A321 with a capacity of 239 seats was launched on Friday with a ceremonial first flight, TASR reported on the same day based on information from Kosice Airport. The first morning flight headed from Bratislava to Kosice and, subsequently, a total of 233 passengers took the opportunity to fly from Kosice to Bratislava, with a flight occupancy rate of more than 97 percent, according to Kosice Airport. Wizz Air was the winner of a public tender called by the Transport Ministry. "I am pleased that I have fulfilled my promise today and that after more than six years, our two largest cities are once again connected by an air service as a fast and safe way to get from one end of the country to the other," said Transport Minister Jozef Raz (a Smer-SD nominee). The air route significantly shortens travel time between western and eastern Slovakia, thus supporting business travel, family visits and tourism in both directions. "Today's inaugural flight between Bratislava and Kosice is a major step towards improving domestic air travel and we are pleased to be part of it," said Wizz Air Network Development Manager Andras Szabo. Kosice Airport Director Thomas Dworschak stressed the importance of having a flight connection that takes less than one hour. "In terms of mobility in Slovakia, the new route is a huge step forward not only for managers and students, but also for families and those who simply want to enjoy a nice weekend on the opposite side of the country," said Dworschak. The benefits of the route for the city of Kosice, the Kosice region and the eastern Slovakia were also highlighted by Kosice region governor Rastislav Trnka and Kosice Mayor Jaroslav Polacek. jrg