Wizz Air announced on Monday that it will suspend its Abu Dhabi operations starting September 1, 2025. The airline also confirmed its decision to exit the joint venture in the UAE.
The company said the move comes after “a comprehensive reassessment of market dynamics, operational challenges and geopolitical developments in the Middle East.”
Wizz Air explained that the suspension is part of a broader strategy to realign its focus on Central and Eastern Europe and select Western European markets.
The airline faced strong competition in the Gulf from budget carriers like Air Arabia, Jazeera Airways and flynas, making it difficult to grow in the region.
“As a result of the suspension of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operations and as part of this strategic realignment, Wizz Air will suspend all locally based flight operations effective September 1, 2025 and intends to exit from the joint venture going forward and will focus on its core markets,” the company said in a statement.
CEO József Váradi said, “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 to developing the WIZZ brand in new and dynamic markets".
The airline said passengers with bookings beyond August 31, 2025, will receive emails offering refunds or travel alternatives. Customers who booked through travel agents should contact them directly.
Wizz Air also noted that other flights within the Wizz Air group will continue unaffected.
Following the news, Wizz Air’s shares rose 1.84 per cent to £1,051.0 on the London Stock Exchange.