Wizz Air to Exit Abu Dhabi by September 2025
The low-cost carrier said it will strategically look to European markets, following a review of market dynamics.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will suspend all flights from September 1.
A statement from Wizz Air said: 'Wizz Air Holdings PLC today announces a strategic realignment that reinforces the Company's core strength and focus in Central and Eastern Europe and select Western European markets.
'This decision follows a comprehensive reassessment of market dynamics, operational challenges, and geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
'As a result of the suspension of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operations as part of this strategic realignment, Wizz Air will suspend all locally based flight operations effective September 1, 2025 and intends to exit from the joint venture going forward and will focus on its core markets.
'Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has faced increasing operational challenges over the past year, including:
• Engine reliability constraints, particularly in hot and harsh environments, which have impacted aircraft availability and operational efficiency• Geopolitical volatility, which has led to repeated airspace closures and operational disruptions across the region, as well as wreaking consumer demand• Regulatory barriers, which have limited the Company's ability to access and scale in key markets
'These factors have significantly impacted the viability of Wizz Air's ultra-low-cost model in the region and its ability to deliver profitability in line with its core European operations.
'Wizz Air will intensify its focus on its core Central and Eastern European markets, as well as select Western European countries such as Austria, Italy and the UK.
'This strategic realignment to core markets will enable the Company to redeploy resources to regions with greater long-term potential for sustainable growth and profitability.
'Wizz Air remains committed to delivering affordable, efficient, and sustainable air travel, while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation and focus on shareholder value creation'.
József Váradi, CEO of the low-cost carrier, said: 'We have had a tremendous journey in the Middle East and are proud of what we have built. I thank our highly dedicated employees for their relentless efforts and commitment for developing the WIZZ brand in new and dynamic markets.
'However, the operating environment has changed significantly. Supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our original ambitions.
'While this was a difficult decision, it is the right one given the circumstances. We continue to focus on our core markets and on initiatives that enhance Wizz Air's customer proposition and build shareholder value.'
The airline's passengers with existing bookings beyond August 31, 2025 will be contacted directly via email with options for refunds or alternative travel arrangements it said.
Customers who booked their flights through third-party providers are now advised to contact their respective agents for further information.
Also read: No passport, Wrong Flight: Pakistani Passenger Mistakenly Flies To Saudi Arabia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
16 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Dollar rises on EU-US trade deal but European stocks turn sour
The dollar jumped Monday on the back of the US-EU trade deal, but the main European stock markets fell, reflecting unease at terms viewed as lopsided. Frankfurt closed sharply down, as shares in German carmakers plunged. Paris dipped, while London -- outside the EU -- also receded. In New York, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose, while the Dow largely traded flat. While Brussels defended the deal it struck on the weekend as 'better than a trade war with the United States', several EU countries expressed unhappiness. European capitals saw the agreement's 15% tariffs on most EU exports to the United States -- but none on US ones to the EU -- as skewed. As part of the deal, President Donald Trump said the bloc had agreed to purchase '$750 billion worth of energy' from the United States, and make $600 billion in additional investments. 'While the deal has avoided a much worse outcome for now, it remains to be seen whether it will last,' cautioned Jack Allen-Reynolds, a eurozone economist at Capital Economics. With average US tariffs on EU imports now around 17%, 'we think this will reduce EU GDP by about 0.2%,' he said. He predicted that 'uncertainty is likely to remain high' because Trump 'could still change his mind even after the deal has been finalised and signed'. Oil prices rose strongly. That was partly on relief from the deal -- but also because Trump shortened a deadline for Russia to end its war in Ukraine to August 7 or 9, after which he vowed to sanction countries buying its crude. Monday also saw the start of a fresh round of trade negotiations between China and the United States ahead of August 12, when a 90-day truce between the economic superpowers is scheduled to end. Shares in European companies tracked the unease at the EU-US deal. Volkswagen, BMW and Porsche all shed more than three% as the implications of high tariffs on their exports to the United States sank in. In Paris, shares in Pernod Ricard, which exports wine and spirits to the United States, fell more than 3%. Shares in Dutch brewer Heineken -- the world's second-biggest beer-maker -- lost more than 8% in Amsterdam after it announced a drop in sales. Traders were prepared for a busy week in the United States, with a slew of corporate earnings reports -- including from Apple, Microsoft, Meta and Amazon -- and macro data readings coming their way giving indications about US jobs and growth. The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its meeting this week, with investors focused on its outlook for the rest of the year given Trump's tariffs and recent trade deals. What did EU, US agree? Both sides confirmed there will be a 15-percent acrossthe-board rate on a majority of EU goods -- the same level secured by Japan this month. Most significantly, that means a tariff reduction for the EU auto sector from the 27.5 percent carmakers had been forced to pay. While 15 percent is much higher than pre-existing US tariffs on European goods -- averaging 4.8 percent -- it mirrors the status quo, with companies currently facing an additional flat rate of 10 percent imposed by Trump since April. The EU also agreed its companies would buy $750 billion of liquefied natural gas, oil and nuclear fuels from the United States -- split equally over three years -- to replace Russian energy sources. And it said it would pour $600 billion in additional investments in the United States -- based on the "investment intentions of private companies" in the bloc, a senior EU official explained. A White House factsheet said EU countries -- which recently pledged to ramp up defence spending within NATO -- "agreed to purchase significant amounts of US military equipment." But the EU official said arms procurement was not "agreed or discussed" -- suggesting Washington was alluding to purchases expected independently from the trade agreement. Will any goods be tarifffree? The White House said the deal involved 'the elimination of all EU tariffs on US industrial goods'. Brussels meanwhile said the leaders had agreed bilateral tariff exemptions for key goods -- with the exact list still to be finalised. The EU official said the bloc was ready to lower levies to zero percent on US cars, machinery products, some chemicals and items linked to fertilisers -- which could be an alternative to Russian sources. In exchange, the official said, Washington was expected to eliminate levies on European aircraft, certain medical devices and some pharmaceuticals for which the United States depends on EU imports. Discussions are ongoing about European alcohol exports becoming tariff-free -- including wine. The EU official also said the bloc would be willing to do away with levies on certain US products taxed at very low rates -- in the order of one to four percent -- including nuts, lobster, fish, dairy and pet food. Are there sector-specific terms? Semiconductors and pharmaceuticals are currently the target of US trade probes that could see Trump impose massive levies. Under the deal struck Sunday, the EU says the United States has agreed that whatever the outcome of those investigations, those sectors will not be taxed at more than 15 percent. The White House said pharmaceuticals and semiconductors would indeed be taxed at that rate. Protecting pharmaceuticals -- a major EU export to the United States and a critical sector for Ireland -- was a priority in the bloc's negotiations. Steel was another key area -- which along with copper and aluminium is currently facing a 50-percent US tariff. The White House said those sectoral tariffs 'will remain unchanged' but that it would 'discuss securing supply chains for these products' with the EU. But the EU official said the understanding was a certain quota of steel -- based on historic levels -- would enter the United States before the 50-percent levy kicks in. What happens next? The deal needs to be approved by EU states, under a process to be determined by what legal form the final agreement takes, the EU official said. On the US side, the majority of the undertakings are expected to be carried out by executive order. The EU had prepared a $109-billion retaliation package against US goods, which was due to take effect from August 7. Brussels will suspend the measures once Trump publishes his executive order.
Daily Tribune
17 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
French PM Criticizes US-EU Trade Deal, Calls It a "Dark Day"
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has strongly criticized a recent trade agreement between the United States and the European Union, describing it as a "dark day" and a sign of "submission." In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Bayrou expressed disappointment over the deal, which was reached on Sunday between US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The agreement sets a baseline tariff of 15 percent on EU exports to the United States. "It is a dark day when an alliance of free peoples, united to affirm their values and defend their interests, resorts to submission," Bayrou wrote, reflecting deep concern over what he sees as an unequal compromise that may hurt European producers. The deal has sparked debate in Europe, with critics saying the agreement could weaken the EU's economic standing and benefit the US disproportionately.
Gulf Insider
17 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Chinese Manufacturer is Aiming to Take Ferrari and Mclaren
A Chinese manufacturer, Great Wall Motors (GWM), best known for its electric hatchbacks, is creating its own PHEV supercar with a custom hybrid powertrain that aims to take on Ferrari and McLaren. As the new age of manufacturing has well and truly dawned, the fastest cars on the planet are combining the signature engines of old with zippy new motors. Marrying the thrust of electricity with the roar of combustion engines, these best-of-both-world supercars are the future. Now, one Chinese manufacturer is making the massive step from standard road cars to PHEV, AKA Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, supercar making, and it's wildly optimistic. Already, Chinese manufacturers have crafted some undeniably great supercars. Specifically, the YangWang U9 is one of the best in the business, capable of dancing and bunnyhopping, setting blistering records, and looking good in the process. Now, other manufacturers are looking to replicate BYD's success on this front. Specifically, hatchback and SUV maker GWM has been building its own PHEV supercar for five years, and has even crafted a custom 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine to join the electric motors in the powertrain. GWM The unnamed car has yet to be unveiled in full, however. In fact, we know little more than the fact that it will have a carbon fiber cabin, as GWM pulled in the help of some European counterparts, given 'no company in China can do a good job' with the popular material. Aside from that, and the engine, which is expected to pump out 600hp alone, the Chinese racer is shrouded with mystery. However, the company thinks it can challenge the best of the best in the hybrid division, including the Ferrari SF90 and McLaren Atura. The PHEV supercar era is well and truly stacked, as of 2025. McLaren has come out swinging with the Atura, and will be combining successes on all fronts with the W1. Lamborghini also came out swinging with the Revuelto's dual-motor and V12 combo, earning over 1,000hp. And, the Corvette ZR1X is showing that America can hold its own here too. GWM has tipped its hat at the Ferrari, though, as Chairman Wei Jianjun was recently snapped driving a Rosso red SF90. Having been asked about it, Chief Technology Officer, Wu Huixiao, simply said: 'What we do is definitely better than theirs.' Still, Ferrari ripped up the script on hybrids with the seriously impressive 296 Speciale coming in 2026. Ferrari These hybrid electric-combustion racers are certainly a step towards a faster future, but don't expect a full EV lineup of supercars just yet. Click here to read more Also read: 'We'll Do It Ourselves!' Dutch Vigilantes Stop Cars At German Border In Protest Over Illegal Migration Source
