Europe’s leading low-cost airlines are moving quickly to capture early 2026 demand, with Wizz Air and Ryanair both announcing short-term promotions offering discounted fares across selected routes.
The offers are time-sensitive and aimed at travellers planning trips during the traditionally quieter winter and early spring travel period.
Wizz Air announces one-day flash promotion
Wizz Air has unveiled an urgent, one-day-only ticket promotion running exclusively on 17 December 2025. The offer allows passengers to secure discounted fares for travel starting as early as the holiday season.
The booking window closes at 23:59 CET on 17 December 2025, while the travel period covers flights from 25 December 2025 through 26 March 2026.
The promotion applies to the base fare only and does not include the administrative fee. Discounts of up to 15 percent are available exclusively to members of the WIZZ Discount Club, either Standard or Premium, provided the membership is included in the booking.
The offer is valid on selected routes only, with a limited number of promotional seats available. Group bookings are excluded from the promotion.
Ryanair targets the low season with a lightning sale
Ryanair has followed with its own “Lightning Sale,” running until 23:59 on 18 December 2025. The airline is positioning the promotion as an opportunity to book travel during the lowest-demand period of the year.
The discounted fares apply to flights scheduled between 8 January and 28 February 2026, traditionally one of the cheapest windows for European air travel.
As with previous Ryanair sales, promotional prices are subject to seat availability and apply only to selected routes operating during the low season.
Airlines compete for early 2026 demand
Together, the two promotions reflect growing competition among low-cost carriers for early bookings in 2026. By targeting the post-holiday and winter travel window, airlines are seeking to stimulate demand during months when fares are typically at their lowest.
For travellers with flexible schedules, these short-term sales offer an opportunity to secure significantly reduced fares, though the tight booking deadlines leave little room for hesitation.
