Wizz Air cancels Abu Dhabi flights as it suspends all operations from September
In a statement issued on Monday July 14, the airline revealed that it will suspend all locally based flight operations from Monday September 1.
While Wizz Air Abu Dhabi largely operate out of the UAE capital's Zayed International Airport, it has been running two DXB routes to Bucharest and Budapest.
The low-cost airline has been approached regarding whether the suspension of Wizz Air's operations in Abu Dhabi will also mean the airline's routes from Dubai to the Romanian and Hungarian capitals will also be cancelled.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi revealed that the suspension of operations from Abu Dhabi has come about following a series of challenges in the past year.
There have been issues with engine reliability when travelling to the UAE's hot environment, which has meant that aircraft have not been as readily available.
Airline bosses have also explained that the geopolitical situation and regulatory barriers have impacted the viability of Wizz Air's venture in the region.
Wizz Air Holdings PLC ('Wizz Air') 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… pic.twitter.com/KHYIvyIaWJ — Wizz Air (@wizzair) July 14, 2025
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operates a route between Dubai and Budapest (Credit: Supplied)
Instead, the airline says it will refocus efforts on its core markets across Central and Eastern Europe, including Austria, Italy and the UK, where demand remains strong and operations are more stable.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi passengers holding bookings beyond August 31 will be contacted directly to arrange alternative travel options or refunds. The suspension does not impact Wizz Air's other flights outside of the UAE.
For now, UAE travellers may need to look to other carriers for their low-cost getaways.
Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi 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 our network in these dynamic markets.
'However, the operating environment has changed significantly. Supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and 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.'
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