Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s low-cost joint venture, will cease all locally based operations from 1 September 2025, pulling out of its Zayed Airport base to refocus on its profitable European market. The pullout follows six years in the region and comes amid dwindling profitability (YoY net profits dropped 41.5%) alongside rising geopolitical tensions and airspace disruptions.
Key reasons they exiting
- Geopolitical instability and repeated airspace shutdowns in the Middle East have disrupted operations and dampened traveller confidence.
- Harsh environmental conditions in the Gulf accelerated engine wear, undermining the aeroplane’s reliability and cost-efficiency.
- Regulatory hurdles restricted market access and expansion opportunities, limiting the viability of the ultra‑low‑cost model.
What current travel agents and passengers need to know
- Automatic notifications: Wizz Air has pledged to reach out directly to passengers who booked flights through its website or app with rebooking options or full refunds.
- Third-party bookings: Travel agents are advised to proactively contact airlines on behalf of clients, or advise travellers to contact Wizz Air’s 24-hour hotline (+361 677 7530).
- Route-specific disruption: Several European routes such as Belgrade, Sarajevo, Tirana, Kutaisi—have already been suspended or scheduled to end by various July–September dates. Agents are advised to check booking systems carefully for impacted itineraries.
Alternative strategies and market shifts
- New airlines stepping in: Etihad Airways and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi are expected to expand service on former Wizz Air routes, especially Gulf–Balkans corridors.
- Europe connects to the Balkans: Travellers may instead take direct flights via European low-cost carriers or routes with one-stop via hubs like Vienna or Istanbul.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s relocation may mark an end of this ultra-budget Abu Dhabi based travel to Europe from September, but it isn’t the end of low cost European connections from the emirate. Travel agencies should pivot quickly can help clients claim refunds, rebook through alternatives, and spotlight emerging routes by competitive carriers. Flexibility as well as clear and proactive communication will be key to maintaining client satisfaction during this transition.
See here for other regional low cost carriers across the MENA region.
