European LCC Wizz Air is to cut all operations to and from Abu Dhabi with effect from September 1st.

This decision has been attributed by the airline to: ‘market dynamics, operational challenges, and geopolitical developments’ in the Middle East.

These factors have significantly impacted the viability of the carrier’s traditionally short-haul business model in the region and its ability to deliver profitability in line with its core European operations.

In a statement, the airline said that it will double down on its core Central and Eastern European markets, as well as select Western European countries such as Austria, Italy and the UK.

READ: Wizz to fly A321XLR on Milan-Abu Dhabi route

Wizz originally announced it’s Abu Dhabi subsidiary in 2021. At the time, it hailed it as ‘the UAE’s newest national airline’ and offered flights connecting the UAE capital to p[laces including Belgrade, Sohag and Luxor.

As recently as October 2024, CEO József Váradi announced that some of the airline’s new A321XLR jets would work the Milan-Abu Dhabi route following delivery in 2025.

However, for the reasons the airline has listed, plus engine reliability constraints in hot and harsh environments have caused it to rethink the model.

After thanking the teams for their work, József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air, said: “While this was a difficult decision, it is the right one given the circumstances. We continue to focus on our core markets and on initiatives that enhance Wizz Air’s customer proposition and build shareholder value.”