Wizz Air announces withdrawal: withdraws from Abu Dhabi, halts Middle East flights

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 07. 14. 10:28

Wizz Air has announced a drastic decision: it will completely withdraw from Abu Dhabi and stop all its local flights from September 1, 2025. The Hungarian-affiliated low-cost airline will not only stop flights, but also intends to divest itself of its joint venture interest, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, according to a statement on Monday.

The move was justified by CEO József Váradi, who said that supply chain disruptions, geopolitical uncertainties and limited market access were increasingly making it impossible to maintain a low-cost business model in the region. He emphasized: “This was a difficult decision, but it is the right one under the given circumstances.”

The company’s operations have been severely affected by engine reliability problems, which are particularly problematic in hot climates, and repeated airspace closures in the region, which have caused serious operational difficulties.

After six years, it’s over: the Abu Dhabi adventure is coming to an end

In 2019, Wizz Air founded its local joint venture with the United Arab Emirates state-owned Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, with high hopes, with a 49 percent stake. At the time, the company’s management highlighted Abu Dhabi’s excellent geographical location and the region’s solvent demand as key factors for expansion.

The current withdrawal may also be related to the fact that Wizz Air’s fleet is currently forced to operate with limited capacities due to engine problems. The company is thus redirecting its attention back to Central and Eastern Europe, as well as some Western European markets.