Latvian airline airBaltic has cancelled its planned summer season flights between Vilnius and Krakow, citing rising fuel prices and changing commercial conditions.

The seasonal route had been scheduled to operate during the summer travel period, with flights expected to begin in June. However, Lithuanian Airports confirmed on Tuesday that the service will no longer launch this year.

“Yes, we have this information,” Lithuanian Airports chief executive Simonas Bartkus told reporters.

Fuel Costs And Market Conditions Behind The Decision

According to Bartkus, airBaltic reviewed its route network following increases in fuel prices, which affected the airline’s operational calculations for the Vilnius-Krakow connection.

He also indicated that shifts in the competitive environment may have played a role in the carrier’s decision to withdraw the service.

airBaltic later confirmed that the route would officially be suspended from May 29, stating that the connection was no longer commercially viable under current market conditions.

The airline said passengers affected by the cancellation would be offered alternative travel arrangements or full ticket refunds.

Wizz Air Continues Operating The Route

Despite airBaltic’s withdrawal, travellers between Vilnius and Krakow will still have access to direct flights through Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air, which continues to serve the route.

The Vilnius-Krakow connection was originally introduced for the 2024 summer season as part of airBaltic’s broader regional expansion strategy.

Route Ends After Just One Season

After operating for only one summer season, the airline decided not to continue the route due to economic pressures and profitability concerns linked to rising operational costs.

The decision reflects broader challenges facing European airlines as fuel prices, competitive pressures and fluctuating demand continue to reshape route planning ahead of the peak summer travel season.