Score flights from Dhs204 before Wizz Air leaves Abu Dhabi
Earlier this month, the low-cost carrier confirmed it will stop operating from the UAE capital on September 1, 2025, officially ending a four-year run that connected Abu Dhabi to wallet-friendly destinations across Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.
But before it takes off for good, Wizz Air is offering one last blast of low fares, with one-way tickets starting from as little as Dhs204. It's the kind of sale that makes you want to book now, pack later.
If you're still in the UAE and trying to squeeze in one more summer adventure, this is your sign. Maybe your passport's been begging for a stamp or Georgia's been on your vision board then this is your sign. Think of it as your last chance to travel like it's 2019.
Here's where you could be heading this August:
Kutaisi, Georgia – Dhs204
Surrounded by green valleys and cave-lined hills, Kutaisi is one of Georgia's oldest cities. It's a gateway to the Imereti region's natural beauty, with monasteries, forests, and food that's all comfort and no compromise.
Yerevan, Armenia -Dhs264
Yerevan blends ancient history with a modern café culture. Landmarks like the pink-stoned Republic Square, the Cascade Complex and views of Mount Ararat give the city a distinct character rooted in resilience and beauty.
Baku, Azerbaijan – Dhs254
Baku sits on the Caspian Sea with a skyline that swings from medieval minarets to sharp-edged skyscrapers. It's a city of contrasts, where you can walk ancient walls in the Old City and end the night at a rooftop bar in a glass tower.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan – Dhs314
Tashkent is the cultural heart of Central Asia, where leafy boulevards meet Soviet-era mosaics and centuries-old Islamic architecture. Its metro stations are tiled works of art and its bazaars are full of colour, spices and life.
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Dhs404
Backed by the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains, Almaty mixes rugged adventure with a laid-back urban charm. Think alpine escapes, sprawling parks and a food scene that balances tradition with trend.
These are some of the last low-cost fares before Wizz Air shuts down its Abu Dhabi hub, and they're flying off faster than boarding gates open. While the airline will still operate select routes from Dubai, it's the end of an era for budget flights from AUH. So if you've got unused leave and itchy feet, this is your boarding call.
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Time Out Abu Dhabi
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- Time Out Abu Dhabi
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If you're planning a getaway this summer and misty mountains and green hills sound increasingly appealing, you're probably considering heading from Abu Dhabi to Salalah. The southern Omani city gets a lot of attention this time of year and for good reason — between June and September, it turns into one of the few places in the region that actually cools down. This isn't your average beach trip though and it's not exactly straightforward if you've never been before. So here's a practical breakdown of everything you need to know if you're thinking of heading to Salalah during Khareef season. How to get from Abu Dhabi to Salalah Credit: Tanja Cotoaga/Unsplash Direct flights from Abu Dhabi take just under two hours. Wizz Air, Air Arabia and Etihad all operate seasonal routes, with Wizz Air offering the cheapest fares: Wizz Air: From Dhs179 (budget-friendly, no frills) Air Arabia: From Dhs399 Etihad Airways: From Dhs1,205 (if you're after full-service and convenience) Flights peak Khareef season (late July to early September) and they fill up quickly – so book early if you're set on flying. By road It's a long one – expect 12 to 14 hours on the road, depending on where you cross the border. Most people drive via Al Ain into Oman, then take the route through Nizwa and Haima. It's doable, but not short. You'll need car insurance that covers Oman and it's worth checking in advance whether your vehicle can be taken across the border (especially if it's leased or on finance). If you're stopping overnight, Muscat or Duqm are the usual halfway points. Visa info for UAE residents UAE residents need a tourist visa to enter Oman, even for short stays. Here's what you will need: Apply online via the Oman eVisa platform Ten-day tourist visas cost 5 OMR (around Dhs48) Processing is quick, but best not to leave it until the last minute You'll need at least six months' passport validity and if you're driving, make sure your car registration and GCC insurance are in order. Top tip: Apply at least 48 hours in advance during peak travel periods. What is Khareef season actually like? Khareef officially runs from June 21 to September 20, but the green really kicks in by late June and peaks around August. Expect temps around mid-20s°C and there can be fog, drizzle and light rain. Nights can get chilly, especially in the mountains and visibility drops in places like Jabal Samhan or Wadi Darbat. The closer you get to September, the less green it's likely to be – though there's still cooler weather and fewer crowds. Bring a light jacket, decent shoes and don't expect to swim in the sea – it might be too rough. What to do while you're there This isn't a city break in the typical sense – most of what you'll want to see is outside the city. If you don't rent a car, your options will be limited. Top sites (all reachable by car): Wadi Darbat: picnic spot with waterfalls, paddle boats and misty hills picnic spot with waterfalls, paddle boats and misty hills Al Mughsail: cliffs, blowholes and views over the Arabian Sea cliffs, blowholes and views over the Arabian Sea Ain Athum and Sahalnoot: natural springs surrounded by greenery natural springs surrounded by greenery Jabal Samhan: elevated viewpoints, dramatic fog and wild mountain roads elevated viewpoints, dramatic fog and wild mountain roads Marneef Cave: walkable coastal spot near the blowholes walkable coastal spot near the blowholes Frankincense Land Museum: archaeological site with history on the incense trade For longer stays, people often explore Taqah, Mirbat, or head further into the mountains. Things to know before you go Pack layers – it gets cool, especially in the hills. Traffic gets hectic around Eid and weekends. Book accommodation and transport early. Internet and mobile service can be spotty in remote areas – download your maps. No roaming? Get an Omani SIM at Salalah Airport or local shops. Be respectful of local customs – it's a conservative region, especially in villages. Where to stay You'll find everything from budget hotels to five-star resorts. If you're travelling during Eid or mid-August, book well in advance. Salalah fills up quickly during peak Khareef. Want to stay near the greenery? Try mountain guesthouses near Wadi Darbat. Prefer city convenience? Salalah city centre has familiar hotel chains. Road-tripping with friends or family? Look for villas or serviced apartments. Why Salalah is trending in the UAE Abu Dhabi has recently invested Dhs764 million into Salalah's tourism sector – including a huge beachfront resort project, marinas and luxury developments. It's part of a bigger UAE–Oman tourism push, so expect even more road trip-friendly resorts and high-end options over the next few years. For now, though, Salalah remains a refreshing, under-the-radar summer escape – and one that's surprisingly easy to reach. Time Out tip: Want to skip the flight and take the scenic route? Daily buses to Salalah run from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah for under Dhs100 – perfect if you're going with friends and don't want to drive. Summer in Abu Dhabi The 27 best things to do indoors this summer in Abu Dhabi It's time for some air-conditioned bliss Psst: This is when summer officially ends in Abu Dhabi No complaints here 25 brilliant beach and pool day passes in Abu Dhabi Grab your SPF – a lush day by the water awaits
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3 days ago
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Etihad Airways hosts open days to recruit Wizz Air's Abu Dhabi staff
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'Our focus is on attracting top-tier talent and ensuring that all efforts align with Etihad's long-term expansion while fostering the development of UAE nationals within our workforce,' she said. The challenge for the industry in the future is attracting talent, Arik De, chief revenue and commercial officer of Etihad Airways, told The National onboard the delivery flight of Etihad's first Airbus A321LR from Hamburg to Abu Dhabi last week. Earlier this month, Wizz Air said it was suspending operations in Abu Dhabi to focus on core markets following a 'comprehensive reassessment'. The no-frills airline cited operational challenges, including engine problems that led to the grounding of aircraft, among reasons for the exit. It began operations in the UAE capital in January 2021. The move by Wizz Air leaves about 450 staff in limbo as some will be unable to relocate to the airline's European operations without European passports or visas, according to a Bloomberg report. Expansion push Etihad Airways is hiring amid a major expansion push with a plan to carry 38 million passengers annually and grow its fleet to 220 planes by 2030. In June, Etihad said it carried 20 million people in a rolling 12-month period for the first time and was operating 101 aircraft. This month, Emirates Group also announced a major hiring spree with plans to recruit 17,300 people including more cabin crew, pilots and engineers as well as cargo, catering and ground handling staff. The Dubai-based aviation group's plans to add staff in 350 different roles in the financial year ending March 2026 will boost its total workforce by 14 per cent. Boeing's latest 20-year outlook for commercial pilots, crew and technicians shows that the industry will require nearly 2.4 million new aviation professionals globally by 2044 to meet the long-term increase in air travel. In the Middle East, airlines will need a total of 234,000 new aviation personnel by 2044. They will be made up of 67,000 pilots, 63,000 technicians and 104,000 cabin crew, Boeing said in its 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook report. Return to first-class Etihad will embark on a programme to refresh its older aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2026 or the first quarter of 2027, Mr De said. It will cost around $1 billion. The retrofit programme will include older Boeing 777s, 787-9 Dreamliners, Airbus A350s and the A321 classic version, he said. This will entail bringing a first-class seat, lie-flat business-class seats and 'surprise' product announcements that will be revealed 'sooner than later', he added. Etihad plans to equip its entire fleet of wide bodies and narrow bodies with a first-class product by 2030, going against an industry-wide trend of many airlines removing their first-class seats and improving their business-class product. 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The future of UAE airfares following Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's planned exit will be determined by supply, demand, and market dynamics, according to Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer of Etihad Airways. 'The market is the king, so it doesn't matter who is leaving, who is entering, and who is adding capacity. The key question is how will supply and demand be in the future? If there is less demand, fares are going to go down,' Neves told Khaleej Times in an interview last week, when asked about the impact of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's departure on ticket prices. The ultra-low-cost carrier recently announced it will suspend operations in Abu Dhabi starting September 1, 2025, and dissolve its joint venture. Its promotional fares starting at Dh79 gained strong popularity among UAE travellers, especially those flying to Eastern Europe and CIS countries for tourism, thanks to its affordability. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Wizz Air cited three main reasons for its withdrawal: engine reliability issues exacerbated by the region's hot and harsh climate, geopolitical instability, and regulatory challenges. The airline said it will now focus on its core markets in Central and Eastern Europe, along with selected destinations in Western Europe. In 2024 alone, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operated over 19,000 flights, providing more than 4.4 million ultra-low-cost seats. It carried more than 3.5 million point-to-point passengers, contributing around 25 per cent to Zayed International Airport's total point-to-point traffic. Additionally, the airline brought more than 1.2 million international visitors to Abu Dhabi last year. Until now, Abu Dhabi has been home to three major airlines: national carrier Etihad Airways, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi — offering services that cater to every segment, from luxury travellers to budget-conscious flyers. 'I don't know how supply and demand is going to react in the next year or so, because it doesn't depend only on Etihad (as other carriers also operate in UAE),' Neves added. Etihad chief was speaking after receiving delivery of the first of its 30 Airbus A321LR. Despite the airline's exit, aviation analysts expect minimal disruption. 'Wizz Air leaving Abu Dhabi does not leave a gap at all. Wizz Air tried to create something that frankly didn't exist — and we saw the same when AirAsia X came and fled Abu Dhabi within six months,' said Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at London-based StrategicAero Research. Neves also addressed the perception that Etihad is inflating fares. 'We price to demand and competition. So I don't know what fares are going to be. If there's a lot of demand and we don't have planes, the fare goes up. Otherwise, they go down,' he said. 'The notion that Etihad is charging more is just wrong.' He emphasised that the region's aviation market is expansive and can accommodate a variety of carriers. 'In the UAE, we have four amazing airlines — flydubai, Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia. They all make money. So there is a space for premium carriers, a space for intermediate carriers, and a space for low-cost carriers. The UAE is one of the best markets in the world. We should be very proud of all that,' Neves concluded.
