Wizz Air group managing director leaving to 'pursue opportunities’ outside airline

The group managing director of Wizz Air is stepping down at the end of the month after five years at the helm.

The Hungarian budget carrier confirmed that Michael Delehant has “decided to leave the company with effect from 31 July 2026 to pursue opportunities outside the organisation”.

No immediate replacement was announced with senior leaders to report directly to chief executive Jozsef Varadi.

These include chief operations officer Diarmuid O’Conghaile, chief commercial  officer Ian Malin and Jingyuan Sun, who is expected to join as chief technical officer.

Delehant joined Wizz Air five years ago from Spanish low fares airline Vueling and previously spent 14 years at US low cost carrier Southwest Airlines.

Varadi said: ”Michael has been a tremendous asset to Wizz Air and a fundamental pillar of our management team over the past five years.

“During a period marked by multiple black swan events and extraordinary challenges for the business, he played an important role in helping build and strengthen both the organisation and the business, for which I am thankful.

“He has left a lasting footprint in Wizz Air’s history, and I wish him and his family the very best for the future."

Wizz Air operates a fleet of 270 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.