Airlines

Wizz Air closes Abu Dhabi base over Middle East tensions

The low-cost carrier had been present since 2021 through a joint venture with Abu Dhabi airline ADQ. The carrier will focus on core business

14 July 2025La low cost era presente dal 2021 attraverso una jount venture con la compagnia aerea

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Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East claim the first victim among airlines: Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air has announced the closure of its Abu Dhabi base as of 1 September, adding that it wants to strengthen its core business in Central and Eastern European countries as well as selected countries such as Great Britain, Italy and Austria. "This decision follows a comprehensive reassessment of market dynamics, operational challenges and geopolitical developments in the Middle East," a statement read.

Wizz Air launched its base in Abu Dhabi on 15 January 2021, through a joint venture with Abu Dhabi airline ADQ and a fleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft.

In Italy the low-cost airline had launched the Naples Abu Dhabi route and was also planning to introduce the Milan Abu Dhabi flight with the new Airbus 321XLR, which never took off. This year, a connection to Doha was inaugurated from London Gatwick.

"Supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability and limited market access have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our initial ambitions," said CEO József Váradi.

The company warns passengers with bookings after 31 August 2025 about their options for refunds or access to an alternative flight.