Quick verdict
When choosing between Corendon Airlines and Wizz Air, your travel objectives and preferences are paramount. Wizz Air is often the go-to for those prioritizing the absolute lowest possible base fare and extensive network across Central and Eastern Europe, with a clear understanding that every additional service comes at an extra cost. It's ideal for nimble travelers who pack light and are comfortable with a highly unbundled experience. Corendon Airlines, on the other hand, carves out its niche primarily within the leisure and holiday market, often packaging flights with resort stays or offering a more vacation-oriented journey. While still a budget carrier, its focus on popular sun destinations and a slightly more relaxed, albeit still no-frills, approach might appeal more to families or those whose primary goal is a hassle-free trip to a tourist hotspot. Ultimately, neither airline is inherently "better" than the other; they simply serve different segments of the budget travel market more effectively. Wizz Air excels at connecting cities with minimal fuss for the price-sensitive, independent traveler, while Corendon Airlines specializes in delivering holidaymakers to their sunny destinations, often with a slightly more inclusive feel within its specific niche. Your best choice depends on whether your priority is rock-bottom price and route flexibility or a focused journey to a popular vacation spot.
Corendon Airlines, a Turkish leisure carrier, and Wizz Air, a Hungarian ultra-low-cost airline, both cater to budget-conscious travelers primarily within Europe. While sharing the common goal of affordable air travel, their operational models, target demographics, and service offerings present distinct experiences for passengers. This comparison will delve into the nuances of these two carriers, examining their respective strengths and weaknesses across key areas such as network focus, service philosophy, and overall value proposition. We aim to equip you with the insights needed to determine which airline best aligns with your travel priorities and expectations. Both airlines operate predominantly short to medium-haul flights, connecting various European cities and popular holiday destinations. However, the exact regions they emphasize and the typical passenger journeys they facilitate differ, influencing everything from baggage policies to onboard amenities.
Corendon Airlines (legally Turistik Hava Taşımacılık A.Ş.) is a Turkish leisure airline. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 2004, began flying in 2005 and is a subsidiary of Corendon Tourism Group. It is headquartered in Antalya. It belongs to no global alliance. Sister carriers are Corendon Dutch Airlines and Corendon Airlines Europe.
The airline flies scheduled and charter services to more than 140 destinations in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Its hubs are Antalya and İzmir Adnan Menderes, and it also has a base at Ankara Esenboğa. Most traffic is holiday flying between Turkey and European cities. It has also kept flying to Russia, including charters from Perm to Antalya announced for May 2024.
The fleet is all Boeing 737. The Wikipedia fleet table lists 9 Boeing 737-800 and 6 Boeing 737 MAX 8, 15 aircraft in total, while Plane Finder lists 14. Counts differ between sources and change often. In September 2026, FlightGlobal reported that the Corendon group would cut its fleet from 30 to 21 aircraft this winter because of high fuel costs. Capacity and schedules may therefore be smaller than in summer.
All aircraft are single-class economy. The 737-800 has 189 seats in a 3-3 layout with a pitch of about 30 inches, according to Seatlink. Kayak says there are no power sockets or Wi-Fi. Meals are generally an extra, except on the Premium fare, which includes a hot meal or snacks. Seats and meals can be pre-selected for a fee on lower fares.
Wizz Air, legally Wizz Air Holdings plc, is a Hungarian ultra-low-cost airline group. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in September 2003 by its current chief executive, József Váradi, and began flying on 19 May 2004. It is headquartered in Budapest, is incorporated in Jersey and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250). It is not a member of any of the three major alliances. Subsidiaries include Wizz Air Hungary, Wizz Air Malta and Wizz Air UK. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi was closed in September 2025.
The airline serves 194 airports in 46 countries across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Its largest bases are Budapest, Bucharest Henri Coandă and London Luton. Other bases include Warsaw, Katowice, Kraków, Sofia, Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Vilnius, Belgrade, Tirana, Skopje and London Gatwick. New bases are due at Valencia (2 November 2026), Madrid (3 November 2026), Pristina (16 November 2026), Brașov (18 December 2026) and Santiago de Compostela (1 February 2027). Longer routes include London Gatwick to Medina and Jeddah, flown by the A321XLR, and Katowice to Abu Dhabi.
Wizz Air operates an all-Airbus fleet and is described as the world's largest operator of the A321neo. The Wikipedia infobox lists 257 aircraft in 2026. The group reported 262 aircraft at the end of its financial year to March 2026. An earlier fleet table lists A320-200, A320neo, A321-200, A321neo and A321XLR aircraft, with older A320ceo and A321ceo types being phased out. Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engine problems have kept part of the fleet grounded in recent years, as Simple Flying reported.
Wizz Air sells a no-frills, single-cabin product. The sources reviewed did not give seat pitch, meal or entertainment details, so check the airline's website before booking. Food, drink and extras are generally sold separately on ultra-low-cost carriers.

Compare two airlines side-by-side to see the real difference
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