Wizz Air Shuts Abu Dhabi Hub, Flights Continue from Europe

Wizz Air has officially shut down its Abu Dhabi base as of September 1, 2025, marking the end of its joint venture operations in the UAE. Despite this closure, passengers can still access Wizz flights to Abu Dhabi, operated from the airline’s European hubs.

The decision comes after a series of operational hurdles, including engine performance issues in extreme heat and broader geopolitical concerns affecting the region. Analysts suggest that these factors made sustaining a full base in Abu Dhabi increasingly complex for the ultra-low-cost carrier.

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Travelers looking for budget options from Abu Dhabi will still find new opportunities. From November 14, Wizz Air plans to launch flights connecting Abu Dhabi to Larnaca, with fares starting at Dh192 one-way, highlighting the airline’s continued interest in serving the UAE market, albeit indirectly.

Industry experts note that while closing a hub is a setback, the airline’s strategy of maintaining inbound flights from other bases allows it to preserve market presence without the overhead of a local operation. Observers see this as part of a broader trend where low-cost carriers optimize routes and resources while remaining flexible amid regional uncertainties.

With Wizz Air stepping back from a full UAE base, passengers may experience fewer direct options locally, but the network still offers connectivity through Europe, keeping Abu Dhabi on the budget travel map.