Wizz Air has warned it will have to cut capacity next year because of a global issue with some Airbus aircraft engines.

The airline told shareholders capacity would be 10% lower in the second half of the 2024 financial year, after issues were detected with some engines made by aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. The engines are used in some A320neo aircraft.

Pratt & Whitney’s owner RTX said a ‘rare condition in powder metal used to manufacture certain engine parts’ could cause them to crack and around 600-700 engines will need to be checked.

It added: “Pratt & Whitney is analysing the impact of powder metal on other engine models within its fleet, and other engine models currently are expected to be far less impacted.”

Wizz said: “Wizz Air was informed by RTX that its Pratt & Whitney GTF engines will be subject to inspection intervals, resulting in engines being removed for shop visits during the remainder of 2023 and into 2024 that will likely cause some of its aircraft being grounded in this period.

“Wizz Air is currently assessing the implications to understand the extent of the impact on its fleet, with initial estimates indicating a potential capacity reduction of 10% for the second half of the 2024 financial year.”

It added: “Wizz Air will continue to work with Pratt & Whitney to minimise the impact to its fleet plan and costs to the business.

“The company continues to take proactive action to mitigate any financial and operational impact and will be seeking financial compensation from Pratt & Whitney.”