LONDON: Wizz Air Holdings PLC announced Monday it will suspend all Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operations effective Sept. 1, 2025, as part of a strategic realignment aimed at reinforcing its presence in Central and Eastern Europe and select Western European markets.
The decision follows a comprehensive reassessment of regional market dynamics, operational constraints, and geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Wizz Air said it intends to exit the Abu Dhabi joint venture and redeploy resources to markets with stronger long-term growth potential.
“Supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our original ambitions,” said CEO József Váradi. “While this was a difficult decision, it is the right one given the circumstances.”
The carrier cited several challenges that undermined its ultra-low-cost model in the region:
- Engine reliability issues in hot climates, affecting aircraft availability and efficiency;
- Geopolitical volatility, including repeated airspace closures and weakened consumer demand;
- Regulatory barriers that restricted market access and scalability.
Passengers with bookings beyond Aug. 31 will be contacted directly with refund or rebooking options. The suspension does not affect other flights operated by the Wizz Air group.
Wizz Air said the move will allow it to intensify focus on core markets such as Austria, Italy, and the United Kingdom, where it sees greater potential for sustainable growth and profitability. The company reaffirmed its commitment to affordable and efficient air travel, while maintaining disciplined capital allocation and shareholder value creation.