Wizz Air Ends Abu Dhabi Subsidiary Operations Sept. 1

Wizz Air, the Hungarian low-cost airline, will suspend all operations of its Abu Dhabi-based subsidiary starting September 1, 2025, as it withdraws from the Middle East to refocus on core European markets. The decision is driven by persistent engine reliability issues exacerbated by Abu Dhabi's extreme heat and sand, as well as rising maintenance costs, supply chain problems, and ongoing regional instability including airspace closures after recent Israel-Iran conflicts. Regulatory barriers and limited market access also restricted the airline's ability to operate profitably. Wizz Air’s joint venture with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company struggled with declining profits under these challenging conditions. The airline will concentrate on expanding services in Central, Eastern, and select Western European countries. Passengers holding bookings from Abu Dhabi after September 1 will receive refunds or alternative options, and Wizz Air’s European flights to the Middle East will continue unaffected.