Dubai, July 14, 2025 — Wizz Air Holdings has confirmed it will suspend all flights operated by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi starting September 1, 2025, and intends to exit the joint venture in due course. The announcement follows last week’s mass cancellation of up to 30% of flights, which had already fueled speculation about a broader strategic retreat.
In a statement today, the company said its decision followed a “comprehensive reassessment of market dynamics, operational challenges, and geopolitical developments in the Middle East.” The viability of its ultra-low-cost model in the region, it noted, had been steadily undermined by a combination of factors—including ongoing engine reliability issues. These were compounded by persistent geopolitical volatility, regulatory constraints, and limited market access. Wizz Air also pointed to sustained profitability challenges as a core reason for its withdrawal.
The airline plans to focus on its core markets of Central and Eastern Europe and select Western European countries.
Last week’s abrupt flight suspensions had already impacted routes across Europe, Central Asia, and the Gulf, with dozens of destinations pulled from Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s schedule. Flights to and from Tel Aviv, Amman, and parts of the UAE were grounded amid regional airspace closures following renewed Middle East tensions. The airline has faced growing pressure from grounded aircraft due to engine inspections, with as much as 20% of its fleet inoperable at times.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi was launched in late 2019 as a joint venture between Wizz Air Holdings (49%) and Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ (51%). It began operations in November 2020 with with ambitious plans to link Abu Dhabi to underserved destinations across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond, leveraging its low-cost model to tap into emerging travel corridors using a fleet of Airbus A321 aircraft. The airline grew rapidly, ultimately operating 12 aircraft—a mix of 8 A321-200 and 4 A321neo—and serving 29 destinations at its peak. However, its expansion was repeatedly disrupted by pandemic-related slowdowns and regional conflict.
“We’ve had a tremendous journey in the Middle East and are proud of what we have built,” said Wizz Air CEO József Váradi. “However, the operating environment has changed significantly… and made it increasingly difficult to sustain our original ambitions. This was a difficult decision, but it is the right one given the circumstances.”
ADQ has yet to issue a public statement on Wizz Air’s exit from the joint venture.
Passengers with bookings beyond August 31 will be contacted directly by Wizz Air with refund options or alternative arrangements. The suspension does not affect other flights operated by the Wizz Air Group outside the region.
Image: Pexels/Wolfgang Weiser
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