Wizz Air plane. Credit: Tibor Szabo, Pexels
Wizz Air will officially stop operating out of Abu Dhabi from September 1, 2025, blaming extreme desert conditions, engine issues, and growing geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
The Hungarian low-cost airline confirmed the shutdown of its Wizz Air Abu Dhabi joint venture after “a comprehensive reassessment of market dynamics, operational challenges, and geopolitical developments in the Middle East,” according to a company statement.
Harsh desert conditions damaging Wizz Air aircraft
Wizz Air cited severe engine degradation caused by sand and high temperatures in the region. Its Airbus A320 jets, powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, have suffered from accelerated wear and tear due to sand particles and extreme heat, which the company said can cause engines to deteriorate up to three times faster than in Europe.
“The hot and harsh climate” increased running costs and forced the airline to ground multiple aircraft, severely affecting its ability to deliver low-cost flights, according to The Telegraph.
Conflict and closures disrupt airspace
Wizz Air also pointed to the “growing geopolitical instability” in the region, especially amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, which has led to repeated airspace closures and plummeting consumer demand.
Wizz Air had already suspended some operations due to safety and reliability issues following Iranian strikes on a US base in Qatar, which triggered temporary airspace shutdowns by Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Wizz Air CEO comments
In a statement, Wizz Air CEO József Váradi acknowledged the difficulty of the move, but insisted it was necessary:
“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 operating environment has changed significantly. Supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability and limited market access have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our original ambitions.”
Launched in November 2020, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi was a joint venture between Wizz Air Holdings and Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ADQ, with the aim of serving the Middle East, Africa, and Indian subcontinent. ADQ owned 51 per cent of the venture.
Despite plans to expand to 100 aircraft over 15 years, the operation peaked at 12 planes and 23 routes, with services mostly to Eastern Europe.
Wizz Air will now refocus on Europe, with plans to expand operations in Central and Eastern Europe, and selective Western markets like the UK, Italy, and Austria.
Flights from European hubs to the Middle East, including routes from London to Saudi Arabia and Jordan, will continue unaffected.
With around 700 employees affected by the Wizz Air Abu Dhabi exit, questions remain about future staffing and potential redeployments.
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