27-07-2025
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi to redeploy aircraft to Europe; cites 3 key exit reasons
Wizz Air, the ultra-low-cost carrier, announced that aircraft previously dedicated to its Abu Dhabi operations will be redeployed to serve European destinations after its exit to improve financial performance.
"Planes will be migrated to Europe where they will be able to generate better financial performance," the airline said in a presentation after the first-quarter results. The exit from Abu Dhabi joint venture would result in an immediate elimination of loss-making operations, it added.
The carrier cited three key factors earlier this month for its decision to withdraw from Abu Dhabi. These include engine reliability constraints due to hot and harsh environments; geopolitical volatility and regulatory barriers, which have limited the company's ability to access and scale in key markets.
Industry insiders said there was strong competition from the local low-cost players, which prompted the carrier to exit the market.
The airline said passengers with existing bookings beyond August 31, 2025, will be contacted directly via email with options for refunds or alternative travel arrangements. Customers who booked through third-party providers are advised to contact their respective agents. The above suspensions do not affect other flights of the Wizz Air group, it said.
It noted that Wizz Ai Abi Dhabi's current network flights were below Wizz Group's target metrics.
In 2024, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi reported more than 20 per cent year-on-year growth in seat capacity and the number of passengers carried. The airline operated more than 19,000 flights, providing more than 4.4 million ultra-low-cost seats, and carrying more than 3.5 million point-to-point passengers, contributing 25 per cent to Zayed International Airport's point-to-point traffic. Wizz Air carried more than 1.2 million international visitors to Abu Dhabi in 2024.
As Wizz Air employees struggle with the sudden announcement of the airline's exit from the UAE market, despite its strong performance and popularity among budget travellers, Etihad Airways said it is open to hiring employees of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. Around 450 Wizz Air Abu Dhabi employees are in limbo due to the suspension of operations, Bloomberg reported earlier.
Wizz Air, the parent company, returned to a full fiscal year of profitable operations last year as it reported a net profit of €365.9 million compared to €535.1 million loss in the previous year.
In addition, Wizz Group said that the divestments from the Abu Dhabi also release ot from 'managerial focus.'
The aviation sector is growing in the region, which is also making it more competitive. In July, Saudi Arabia awarded a licence to a consortium which includes Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia. There are a few other low-cost carriers such as Jazeera Airways, SalamAir, flynas and flyadeal.
