Hungarian low-cost airline group Wizz Air has announced that its subsidiary, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, will suspend all operations in the United Arab Emirates on September 1, 2025, citing geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Passengers have been told to check their email inboxes for further information on refunds and rebooking.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi Suspends Operations in the UAE
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, based in the United Arab Emirates’ capital at Zayed International Airport (AUH), has announced that it will suspend operations on September 1, 2025, after operating in the UAE since 2020. Wizz Air has also announced its intention to withdraw from the joint venture between Wizz Air Holdings and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company in order to focus on its core European market. The news came a week after the airline reduced the size of its network in the United Arab Emirates by around one-third. Wizz Air has outlined three challenges that have hindered its growth in the UAE and the Middle East:
- Engine reliability constraints — hot and harsh weather conditions have made its aircrafts’ engines less reliable;
- Geopolitical instability — conflict in the Middle East, including between Israel and Hamas, has led to cancellations, airspace restrictions and lower customer demand;
- Regulatory barriers — legal restrictions have limited Wizz Air’s opportunities for growth in the UAE.
József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air, issued a statement about Wizz Air’s exit from the Middle Eastern Market:
“We have had a tremendous journey in the Middle East and are proud of what we have built. I thank our highly dedicated employees for their relentless efforts and commitment for developing the WIZZ brand in new and dynamic markets. However, the operating environment has changed significantly. Supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our original ambitions. While this was a difficult decision, it is the right one given the circumstances. We continue to focus on our core markets and on initiatives that enhance Wizz Air’s customer proposition and build shareholder value.”
The last Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flight will operate on 31 August 2025. Passengers with flights booked after this date are asked to wait for Wizz Air to contact them via email for a refund or rebooking. Customers who booked through a third-party travel agent must contact the travel agent they booked through to find out more.
Next Steps for Wizz Air
Despite the airline ending its subsidiary’s operations in the country, Wizz Air passengers will still be able to travel to/from the capital of the UAE through Wizz Air’s other subsidiaries. During the Winter 2025-2026 season, Wizz Air Malta will serve the route from Vienna, while Wizz Air, the group’s main airline, will operate flights from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), Katowice Wojciech Korfanty Airport (KTW) and Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK).
How have these changes affected your travel experience? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
