Wizz Air’s latest venture, ‘Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’ is set to launch this October. The offshoot of the Hungary-based budget carrier will begin by flying two new Airbus A321neo jets on six routes out of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the UAE. The airline says that tickets are already on sale through its website.
“This announcement is the first step of a long and much awaited journey as we are dedicated to developing our presence in Abu Dhabi, contributing to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversity strategy while offering ever more affordable travel opportunities on our low fare network. We much appreciate the support we have been given by the government, its affiliated organizations and our local business partners in Abu Dhabi. –József Váradi, Chairman of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and CEO of Wizz Air Group
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s initial routes
The new airline subsidiary will fly to the following destinations from Abu Dhabi from as little as 129 AED, or US$35 each way:
- Kutaisi (Georgia): Flying on Thursdays and Sundays
- Odesa (Ukraine): Flying on Thursdays, Sundays
- Alexandria (Egypt): Flying on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- Athens (Greece): Flying on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- Larnaca (Cyprus): Flying on Tuesdays and Saturdays
- Yerevan (Armenia): Flying on Tuesdays and Saturdays
Shareef Al Hashmi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, says that the airport is delighted to bring the airline to the airport, and with it, a number of new destinations and opportunities for connecting travel.
Venture background
Today’s announcement will add an annual capacity of 350,000 seats out of Abu Dhabi. The airline hopes to have 4 A321neo jets operating out of the airport in the first six months of operations.
The new airline recently received “national carrier status from the UAE government.” However, this remains subject to meeting regulatory standards prior to starting operations.
Wizz Air Group says that Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is a joint-venture established between ADQ, “one of the region’s largest holding companies,” and Wizz Air Holdings Plc. ADQ is an incredibly diverse holding company with investments in manufacturing, technology, food, healthcare, and hospitality.
Safety is a top priority
A top concern for most travelers these days is safety measures against coronavirus. This has translated into being a high-priority for airlines, who must justify to governments and the public that flying can be done safely and profitably at the same time.
Váradi says that the airline’s “enhanced protective measures will ensure the best possible sanitary conditions for travelers.” At the same time, Al Hashmi echoes Váradi’s remarks by saying his airport implements “comprehensive health and safety measures.”
For any readers in Abu Dhabi, do you have plans to fly on this airline? Let us know if you’ve already booked some tickets by leaving a comment.
