Wizz Air abandons the Middle East over sand in engines
The low-cost airline confirmed it will no longer operate from its hub in Abu Dhabi following a series of challenges in the region.
It said the 'hot and harsh' climate had caused increased running costs for the carrier, as high temperatures and sand particles degraded its engines.
It suspended some flights from Abu Dhabi last week, blaming reliability issues as part of a long-running problem with the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines that power its Airbus A320 jets.
Wear and tear related to the engines has led to mounting repair costs, with the disruption more severe in markets where large amounts of sand and dust are drawn into the turbines.
Engines in these conditions can deteriorate up to three times faster, with the cost of maintenance making it difficult to offer cheaper flights. It has already been forced to ground some planes until next year because of engine problems.
Bosses also blamed the decision on growing geopolitical instability in the region amid the conflict between Iran and Israel. It said volatility 'has led to repeated airspace closures and operational disruptions across the region, as well as wreaking consumer demand'.
'Environment has changed'
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a joint venture between the Hungarian airline and the state-owned Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, operates 12 aircraft and 23 routes, mostly to Eastern Europe. None of the routes fly to the UK.
The company said it would stop flying from September and would leave the joint venture after that. It dropped plans for a Saudi subsidiary last year.
The exit does not affect flights from its European hubs to the Middle East, including routes from London to Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
József Váradi, Wizz Air's chief executive, said: 'We have had a tremendous journey in the Middle East and are proud of what we have built.
'However, the operating environment has changed significantly. Supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability and limited market access have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our original ambitions.
'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.'
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