Latest news with #WizzAir
Time Out Dubai
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
You can still book Wizz Air flights from the UAE beyond September
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is set to cancel its operations from the UAE capital from September – but you're still able to book cheap Wizz Air flights beyond that deadline. The airline offers low-cost travel from the UAE for under Dhs1,000 to several top destinations in Europe. Wizz Air has declined to comment on questions related to the airline's operations from Dubai, but does continue to offer a handful of routes online from the UAE beyond September. According to the Wizz Air website, Wizz Air Malta will continue to operate flights between Dubai and Bucharest in addition to its service from Abu Dhabi to Vienna. Similarly, you can still make bookings on Wizz Air Hungary flights from Budapest to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi beyond that September deadline. Wizz Air Hungary will also continue to offer flights to Kraków and Katowice in Poland from Abu Dhabi. So, while the cancellation of the majority of Wizz Air routes in the region is a blow for UAE travellers, there are still several routes that will continue to be available with the airline's wider network. And, to fill the void left by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's cancellation, there are plenty of other international and UAE-based airlines that will also get you to dream holiday destinations in the region, Europe, Asia and Africa. The majority of carriers listed below also fly directly from DXB, so there's no need to travel to Abu Dhabi first. 9 other affordable airlines from the UAE Air Arabia (Credit: Air Arabia) Air Arabia is a great low-cost airline option for UAE-based travellers. Operating out of the neighbouring emirates of Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, the airline currently travels to more than 170 destinations across the GCC, Asia, Africa and Europe. There are several options for under Dhs1,000 for a round-trip with the carrier, including the likes of Amman, Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Air India Express Credit: (Instagram/airindiax) Low-cost Indian airline Air India Express operates several routes from Dubai with prices for one-way flights listed as low as Dhs220. Destinations include most major Indian cities including Chennai, Delhi, Goa and Mumbai. AJet (Credit: AJet) Turkish low-cost airline AJet operates flights to several popular European and North African destinations from Dubai. Formerly branded as AnadoluJet, AJet has low-cost routes from Dubai to top destinations such as Algiers, Berlin, Brussels and Vienna in addition to major Turkish cities such as Istanbul and Ankara. The cheapest rate starts from around Dhs340 to Istanbul. Cebu Pacific (Credit: Cebu Pacific) Filipino low-cost airline Cebu Pacific operates a direct route between Manila and Dubai, which is typically priced at around Dhs1,000 for a round-trip. The airline will regularly hold seat sales throughout the year, which sees significant price drops for flights between the UAE and the Philippines. flynas (Credit: flynas) Saudi low-cost airline operates several routes from Dubai to popular destinations in the region and further afield. Destinations include the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, the Belgian capital of Brussels and the Egyptian capital of Cairo, in addition to several Saudi Arabian cities such as Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh. flydubai (Credit: flydubai) DXB-based flydubai operates routes to more than 120 destinations worldwide, including several popular holiday destinations. Top getaways include the likes of Tbilisi, Yerevan, Istanbul, Milan, Colombo and Bucharest from under Dhs1,000 one-way. The airline will also operate seasonal schedules during summer and winter. Jazeera Airways Affordable flights from Dubai (Credit: Jazeera Airways) Kuwaiti low-cost airline Jazeera Airways operates multiple routes from Dubai to Kuwait and across the region. Popular routes include Almaty, Cairo, Colombo and Doha all from under Dhs1,000. Pegasus Airlines Pegasus Airlines is an affordable airline with UAE-based routes (Credit: Pegasus Airlines) Another Turkish low-cost airline operating routes from Dubai, Pegasus Airlines offers a direct route to Istanbul for under Dhs1,000. With a stopover via Istanbul, you can also get to Paris, Rome and Madrid for under Dhs1,000. SalamAir (Credit: SalamAir) Low-cost Omani airline SalamAir offers flights from Dubai for under Dhs1,000 across the GCC as well as further afield. In addition to its route to Muscat, SalamAir offers Dubai-based travellers options to Thailand, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and India, all priced from less than Dhs1,000. Making summer plans? Too hot? 70 cool indoor activities in Dubai to tick off this summer Consider this your ultimate summer bucket list 7 picture-perfect breakfast spots in Dubai worth waking up early for Elevate the start of your day The best (and most luxe) night swim spots in Dubai to try this summer Including free entry to a top hotel pool
UAE Moments
7 hours ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
Etihad CEO Says No Favoritism in Abu Dhabi as Wizz Air Exits
The CEO of UAE's national airline has made it clear: Etihad Airways does not get any special treatment in Abu Dhabi. Speaking after claims from Wizz Air's boss about 'favouritism,' Etihad's Antonoaldo Neves said the competitive landscape at the capital's airport is fair and open to all. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! 'I can tell you that Etihad today has no subsidies. We pay fuel in Abu Dhabi at market price. Etihad is not actually favoured whatsoever,' Neves told Gulf News. His remarks come after Wizz Air CEO Jozef Varadi suggested that his airline pulled out of its Abu Dhabi hub because the government favoured Etihad, despite their joint venture. Wizz Air recently suspended all Abu Dhabi flights, citing unfair restrictions, including being blocked from flying to India and Pakistan despite having permissions from those countries. Fierce Competition at Abu Dhabi Airport While avoiding direct criticism of Wizz Air's claims, Neves highlighted how competitive Abu Dhabi really is. 'I've been CEO in Brazil and Europe. Here, the competition for slots at Abu Dhabi airport is fierce. Airlines from India, British Airways, carriers from all over the globe fight for slots,' he explained. He pointed out that Etihad controls only 56% of the airport's movements, asking: 'How can I have favouritism?' Slots, the scheduled times an airline can take off or land, are highly contested. And Neves was quick to note the difference between slots and traffic rights (the permissions to fly certain routes), saying both are handled fairly in the UAE. Airport Services Are Neutral Neves also pointed to changes made in Abu Dhabi to ensure a level playing field. 'Before COVID, Etihad handled ground services and catering for everyone. But about five years ago, Abu Dhabi made these independent so everyone has the same access,' he said. Now, all airlines at Abu Dhabi Airport use independent providers for handling and catering, ensuring no single airline has an edge. Grandfather Rights Are Respected Responding to Wizz Air's complaint that traffic rights were unfairly allocated, Neves said the UAE respects 'grandfather rights,' a standard practice in aviation where existing rights stay with the current holder unless they're surrendered. 'In the UAE, grandfather rights are respected, traffic rights are respected. If I go to Europe and ask for Air France's traffic rights, I won't get them either,' he explained. Neves admitted there are traffic rights in the UAE he wishes Etihad could access but cannot, unless competitors exit the market. Etihad Ready to Compete Neves closed by reaffirming that Etihad thrives on competition, whether it's with legacy carriers, low-cost airlines, or startups. 'Everything we are achieving is because of our ability to compete. Etihad is strong, and we're ready to compete. We like to compete and we're good at it,' he said, even praising rivals like Ryanair for their success. Despite being wholly owned by Abu Dhabi's sovereign fund, Neves stressed that Etihad's success is based on merit, not government favouritism.
Local Germany
a day ago
- Local Germany
LISTED: The new direct flights from Germany this summer
We all have our favourite summer destinations, whether it's northern Europe to escape the heat or around the Mediterranean to wallow in it. Here's a list of newest direct flights from airports in Germany, including a few which will start running in August and September. Bulgaria From August 1st, Med View Airlines is starting flights from Munich to Sofia. Bulgaria's understated capital boasts Roman ruins, Ottoman architecture, and access to mountain adventures. Wizz Air has also recently started flights from Leipzig/Halle to Varna on Bulgaria's Black Sea coastline. Finland Discover Airlines is now flying directly from Frankfurt to Oulu. READ ALSO: ETIAS - Fee for European travel authorisation set to increase to €20 Greece From September 16th and 18th respectively, travellers from Hanover can fly direct to Rhodes and Kos in Greece with Corendon Airlines Europe. Italy A woman walking down the street in Palermo, Sicily. Photo by Who's Denilo on Unsplash Med View Airlines is set to launch direct flights from Munich to Naples beginning on August 1st. On September 1st, Med View Airlines will also open a Munich–Catania route, connecting southern Germany to the glories of Sicily's baroque capital. Kosovo Cardiff Aviation Malta has launched nine direct flights to Pristina, Europe's newest capital – from German cities including Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Munich, Memmingen, Nuremberg, Münster, Berlin, Hanover, and Hamburg. READ ALSO: Five cooler holiday destinations you can get to from Germany by train Poland Wizz Air has launched a new direct route from Dortmund to Warsaw. Romania Bucharest is a popular destination this year, with a new direct flight already up and running from Berlin to the Romanian capital courtesy of Norwegian Air Argentina. On August 1st and 2nd respectively, Wizz Air Malta will add more flights to Bucharest from Hahn and Friedrichshafen. Advertisement Lufthansa has also launched a service connecting Munich and Oradea, one of Romania's Art Nouveau gems. Turkey Freebird Airlines is now flying from Düsseldorf/Niederrhein to Antalya, a resort city offering a mix of pristine beaches and ancient ruins. The same airline will add a flight to Antalya from Memmingen on August 2nd. From September 17th, travellers from Hanover travellers can also fly direct to Antalya from with Corendon Airlines Europe. READ ALSO: Hotels, transport and food - How the cost of travel in Germany is rising this summer Corendon Airlines is also flying from Stuttgart and Cologne (from August 18th) to Gazipasa (Alanya), offering easier access to some of the most relaxed beaches on the Turkish Riviera. New direct flights connect Mersin and Berlin (with Pegasus), and Stuttgart (from July 31st, with Eurowings). Armenia Pacific Airways has recently introduced a new direct flight from Cologne to Yerevan, Armenia's historic and culturally rich capital. Iraq (Kurdistan) Hex'Air has a new route from Stuttgart to Erbil, gateway to the ancient heartland of Kurdish culture. Multiple new Discover Airline connections Travellers from Frankfurt or Munich can also take advantage of an expanded offering from Discover Airlines. Advertisement The Lufthansa subsidiary is adding new routes this year to destinations across North America, Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe. Notably, from Munich, Discover Airlines launched inaugural long-haul flights to Orlando, Florida in March, followed by new direct services to Windhoek (Namibia) and Calgary (Canada) in April. Winter sunshine Mara Alam in Egypt is a popular destination for scuba divers. Photo by Pascal van de Vendel on Unsplash Eurowings starts direct flights from Berlin to Marsa Alam in Egypt from November 9th, and from Cologne from October 31st. Marsa Alam is a paradise for divers, snorkelers, and those seeking sun-drenched resorts on the Red Sea. TUIfly will connect Düsseldorf and Frankfurt with Sharm el-Sheikh starting on November 3rd. READ ALSO: Why the prices of flights from Germany are going up Travellers based in Berlin will also have new flights to Marrakesh and Agadir in Morocco from October 26th and 27th respectively, courtesy of Transavia France. Berliners can also take advantage of a new Delta flight between Berlin and Atlanta, Georgia in the southern US from November 10th. And finally, Condor is set to launch a new long-haul route from Stuttgart to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on November 3rd.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Wizz Air flight from Poland to London forced to divert due to ‘technical issue'
A Wizz Air flight from Poland to London was forced to divert and evacuate more than 200 passengers, resulting in a nine hour delay. Flight WUK1KM from Poznań–Ławica Henryk Wieniawski Airport to London Luton Airport on Sunday 20 July landed in Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport following a 'technical issue'. More than 200 passengers were evacuated as emergency services, including ambulances, fire trucks and a medical helicopter, attended the scene, according to local media. No casualties were reported and pilots were assessed as medically fit to fly. The Airbus A321 departed Poland at 11.35am on Sunday, touching down in the Netherlands just 20 minutes later. It finally arrived at its final destination of London Luton at 9.12pm that evening, over nine hours later. Wizz Air did not respond to requests from The Independent regarding the reason behind the incident, stating investigations were 'ongoing'. In a statement, they said: 'We can confirm that flight WUK1KM from Poznan Airport to London Luton Airport was safely diverted to Amsterdam due to a technical issue. 'As a recovery plan, Wizz Air immediately sent an aircraft from London Luton Airport to bring the affected passengers to London Luton as soon as possible. 'The safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost priority. We are keeping all affected passengers promptly informed on developments and will be providing Wizz vouchers to all of them.' The budget carrier was forced to ground an average of 44 planes over the year because of issues with the engines, which are made by US aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. It confirmed in June that profits had fallen by 62 per cent to €167.5 million (£141 million). Despite these challenges, it added that it flew a record 63.4 million passengers and remained optimistic about its capacity to serve more passengers than ever before.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi first-half passenger traffic rises 13% despite regional challenges
Abu Dhabi Airports reported on Monday a 13.1% increase in passenger traffic to 15.8 million in the first half of the year, defying periodic disruptions to air transport in the Middle East caused by conflicts. Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH), the travel hub of the United Arab Emirates' capital city, accounted for the vast majority of the traffic, handling 15.5 million passengers, up 13.2% from the first half of last year. The number of flights at AUH increased by 11.4% to nearly 94,000 in the six months to June 30. Abu Dhabi Airports said some new airlines had joined its network of airports, which had increased the number of destinations, particularly to China and India, and noted demand for both tourism and business travel, without giving details. The increases came despite disruptions including a 12-day war between Israel and Iran last month that triggered airspace closures in some Gulf countries, and forced airlines to suspend and reroute some flights. Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi's main carrier, suspended Israel-bound flights for several weeks in June and faced temporary cancellations on routes to Kuwait, Doha, and Saudi Arabia's Dammam. Low-cost carrier Wizz Air said last week that it would exit its Abu Dhabi operation starting September 1, citing factors including geopolitical instability. "The first six months of this year have posed some operational challenges," Abu Dhabi Airports CEO Elena Sorlini said in a statement, adding that the company's results demonstrated the resilience of its network. Abu Dhabi Airports also operates Al Ain International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, Delma Island Airport and Sir Bani Yas Island Airport, besides AUH.
