14-07-2025
UAE travellers 'upset' after Wizz Air exit forces hunt for other low-cost airlines
Every month, Shehna Mansoor Ali and her husband would hop on a Wizz Air flight and take advantage of its budget flights to visit new countries. However, after the low-cost carrier's recent announcement to cease operations in Abu Dhabi, the 50-year-old said it was 'upsetting' and that her frequency of travel will decrease.
Even though there are alternatives for low-budget airlines, Shehna said that 'it's going to be hard to match that level.' Starting September 1, 2025, Wizz Air flights will no longer fly out from Abu Dhabi, which has led Shehna, along with many other cost-conscious residents in the UAE dependent upon the low-budget airline, to look elsewhere.
'When I saw the news, it was a bit disappointing,' said Anzal Latheef, a 35-year-old talent acquisition professional. 'I've been a frequent flyer on Wizz, and I've saved a lot through their membership plans. This will really affect those looking to travel on a budget.'
Latheef has used the low-cost carrier for more than 20 of his travel plans. 'I do a lot of solo travel, and this was really helpful and now I think it's a pain, with [Wizz Air] leaving the operations,' he said. After September, Latheef said he will be looking at other options for 'budget-friendly' airlines, like Air Arabia.
For Mohamed S, one reason for his loyalty to the airline was its flexibility. He used to fly on Wizz Air three to four times a year. 'The prices are more expensive for other airlines, and they don't have the same flexibility,' he said.
Mohamed said that Wizz Air's exit would affect his budget for future travels. Like Latheef, Mohamed said he will be looking at alternatives like Air Arabia and Flydubai.
Wizz Air's operations started in early 2021, when the Hungarian-based company joined forces with Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ) to set up a subsidiary in the capital. On Monday, Wizz Air's CEO put out a statement on its Abu Dhabi exit, citing 'supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access' as the main motivators.
