Latest news with #Exit
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
My Daughter is a Zombie: A Heartwarming Tale of Fatherhood Amidst a Zombie Outbreak
My Daughter is a Zombie, My daughter doesn't bite people What happens when your teenage daughter becomes a zombie during her birthday party? Most parents would probably run for the hills, but not Jung-hwan (played by Cho Jung-seok). This absolute legend of a dad decides to train his undead daughter like she's an adorable pet, and honestly, it's the most wholesome zombie content you'll see this year. The Plot That'll Make You Ugly Cry " My Daughter is a Zombie " (originally titled "좀비딸") isn't your typical brain-munching horror fest. This gem of a film follows Jung-hwan, a devoted single father who's basically the definition of a "girl dad." When a zombie outbreak hits their neighborhood during his daughter Su-ah's (Choi Yu-ri) birthday celebration, their escape plan goes sideways faster than you can say "apocalypse." The twist? Su-ah gets bitten and transforms into a zombie right there in their car. But instead of accepting defeat, this absolute unit of a father decides to secretly train his zombie daughter to act human again. We're talking about a guy who treats zombie training like it's teaching a puppy tricks - and it's simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Luxury 2–4 BHKs in Pune's Iconic Green Township Shapoorji Golfland Vanaha Enquire Now Undo When Grandma's Discipline Meets Zombie Chaos The real MVP of this story is Grandma Bam-soon (Lee Jung-eun), who handles her zombie granddaughter with the kind of no-nonsense attitude that only Korean grandmothers possess. Armed with her trusty "hyoja-son" (a traditional Korean back-scratcher), she disciplines the little zombie with such authority that Su-ah literally cowers whenever she sees it. The dynamic between the overprotective dad, the strict grandma, and the zombie granddaughter creates comedy gold that'll have you rolling on the floor one minute and reaching for tissues the next. Star Power That Delivers Cho Jung-seok, who's basically Korea's answer to the perfect rom-com lead, brings his A-game to this unconventional father role. The man's previous summer hits "Exit" and "Pilot" both crossed significant milestones, and he's clearly gunning for a third consecutive summer blockbuster. Lee Jung-eun, who you might recognize from "Parasite," absolutely nails the grandmother role despite being significantly younger than her character in real life. Her comedic timing is chef's kiss perfect. The real surprise is young actress Choi Yu-ri, who seamlessly transitions between adorable daughter and genuinely creepy zombie. Her performance is so convincing that you'll forget she's acting. The Emotional Rollercoaster Don't let the comedy fool you - this film will wreck you emotionally. The movie masterfully balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine tear-jerking scenes. When Jung-hwan returns to their old house to collect Su-ah's clothes and breaks down remembering their normal life, even the toughest viewers will need tissues.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How did Wizz Air Abu Dhabi manage to keep fares so low? Which airlines now offer the best alternatives?
While several low-cost carriers like Flydubai and Air Arabia remain, none fully replicate Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's reach or pricing model. Image: Gabala International Airport TL;DR Wizz Air Abu Dhabi shuts down September 1, 2025, ending a six-year run as the Gulf's first European LCC. Cited reasons: geopolitical instability, regulatory limits, engine issues in hot climates, and supply chain disruptions. Served over 3.5 million passengers in 2024, flying to 30+ destinations with ultra-low fares. Operated a hyper-efficient model: single fleet type, no-frills pricing, high aircraft utilization, and fuel-efficient leased aircraft. Exit creates a major void in affordable regional air travel, no airline currently replicates its scale or pricing. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi 's Exit Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the first European low-cost carrier (LCC) to establish a base in the Gulf, will cease all operations effective September 1, 2025. The airline's announcement, made yesterday, marks the end of a six-year run in the UAE, and its departure has left industry stakeholders, budget-conscious travellers, and regional policymakers facing a vacuum that will be difficult to fill. Citing a combination of geopolitical instability, regulatory limitations, airspace closures, hot-weather engine complications, and supply chain disruptions, Wizz Air has opted to dissolve its joint venture with Abu Dhabi's state-owned holding company ADQ and pivot its focus back to core European markets. CEO József Váradi described the decision as 'tough but necessary,' acknowledging that persistent structural challenges in the Gulf rendered Wizz Air's ambitious growth model unsustainable in the region. 'The operating environment has changed significantly,' Váradi said. '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 current market dynamics.' For travellers who came to rely on Wizz Air's ultra-low fares and direct connectivity to niche destinations, its exit is more than a strategic retreat, it's a disruption that may lead to lasting changes in how affordable travel functions across the UAE and the wider Gulf. A Strategic Entry That Redefined Gulf Connectivity Wizz Air's entry into the Gulf was a calculated strategic move that began with an announcement in December 2019. In partnership with ADQ (Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company), the airline created Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a 51:49 joint venture aimed at transforming Zayed International Airport into a budget airline hub for the region. The airline officially launched operations in November 2020 with just two Airbus A321neo aircraft, gradually scaling up to a fleet of 12 by mid-2024. At its peak, the airline was flying to over 30 destinations across Europe, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the broader Middle East, operating 230 weekly departures from its Abu Dhabi base. Within just a few years, Wizz Air had positioned itself not only as a disruptor but as a cornerstone of budget travel options for the Gulf's highly mobile, cost-sensitive population. From the outset, the carrier's mission was clear: provide ultra-low-cost travel to underserved markets while aligning with Abu Dhabi's ambitions to diversify its aviation and tourism sectors. Why Wizz Air Was Indispensable to Gulf Travellers Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the Gulf's first European low-cost carrier, disrupted a market dominated by premium airlines by offering fares up to 70% lower and direct routes to underserved international destinations. Its model expanded travel access for millions. Operating from Abu Dhabi, it served migrant workers, students, and middle-income families with affordable links to Eastern and Central Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Central Asia, North Africa, and South Asia. Who relied on it: South Asians from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka for home visits and education travel. Eastern Europeans (e.g. Romania, Ukraine, Georgia) for direct access to secondary cities. Central Asians lacking affordable alternatives to major hubs. Omani and Egyptian travellers using regional low-cost routes. Its focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities cut costs and avoided hub congestion. Crucially, it gave Abu Dhabi residents a budget option without relying on Dubai-based carriers. For many, Wizz Air was the only direct and affordable link to home or opportunity. Its exit leaves a gap that few airlines are currently equipped to fill. How Wizz Air managed to Keep Fares So Low Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's operational backbone was its ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) model, a system designed to squeeze maximum efficiency and profitability from every aspect of the airline's operations. This model wasn't just about cutting costs, but about engineering scale, simplicity, and standardization across the board, all while complying with stringent European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards. Key pillars of its model included: Single-Type Fleet (Airbus A320 Family) Wizz Air operated only Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, streamlining crew training, maintenance procedures, spare parts inventory, and scheduling. Fewer variables meant lower costs and faster turnaround times. High-Density Seating Configurations The A321neo aircraft were configured with up to 239 seats,significantly more than many competitors. , This allowed more passengers per flight, reducing per-seat cost and maximizing revenue. No-Frills, Unbundled Fare Structure Tickets included only a small personal item. Everything else,carry-ons, checked bags, meals, seat selection, and priority boarding,was charged separately, this kept base fares low and enabled strong ancillary revenue generation. High Aircraft Utilization Wizz Air minimized aircraft downtime by maintaining tight turnaround windows and scheduling flights at off-peak hours, including early mornings and late nights, more flight hours per aircraft per day = lower unit costs and higher asset efficiency. Use of Secondary or Budget Terminals Wherever possible, the airline flew out of lower-cost satellite terminals or regional airports with reduced landing fees and fewer ground handling expenses, faster boarding (often via front and rear stairs), fewer delays, and lower operating fees. Young, Fuel-Efficient Fleet The use of leased A320neo and A321neo aircraft, among the most fuel-efficient in their class, helped Wizz Air reduce fuel burn, cut carbon emissions, and lower maintenance needs. Strict Cost Controls with Safety Uncompromised Despite aggressive cost management, Wizz Air fully adhered to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, among the most rigorous globally, the airline maintained a strong safety record through uniform training protocols and modern equipment. This hyper-efficient system allowed Wizz Air to consistently underprice competitors while staying profitable, a rare balance in commercial aviation. Scale and Scope: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi by the Numbers Wizz Air Abu Dhabi built a significant presence at Zayed International Airport in a remarkably short time: Fleet: 12 aircraft (8 Airbus A321s and 4 A321neos) Weekly Departures: 230 flights Destinations: 30+ cities across three continents Passengers in 2024: 3.5 million (up 20% YoY) Flights Operated in 2024: 19,000 Seats Offered in 2024: 4.4 million Load Factor: Over 80% Market Share at AUH: 9% (compared to Etihad's 64% and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi's 9.1%) Weekly Seat Capacity: Approx. 34,400 departure seats These figures illustrate just how deeply Wizz Air had embedded itself into Abu Dhabi's air travel infrastructure and how vital it became to low-cost aviation in the region. Why Wizz Air Is Leaving: Challenges It Couldn't Overcome Despite local traction, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi couldn't overcome key structural barriers. The airline confirmed in July 2025 it will cease operations after August 31. Key challenges: Airspace restrictions: Ongoing regional conflicts led to repeated closures, forcing costly rerouting and schedule disruptions. Engine performance in heat: The A321neo's Pratt & Whitney engines degraded faster in extreme Gulf temperatures, causing frequent groundings and reduced fleet availability. Regulatory roadblocks: Limited access to markets like India, and North Africa stalled route expansion and growth plans. Supply chain delays: Global shortages in parts and aircraft limited fleet expansion and reliability. CEO József Váradi called the exit 'tough but necessary,' as the airline reallocates resources to less constrained European markets. Can Other Airlines Fill the Void? As Wizz Air Abu Dhabi prepares to exit the market by September 2025, several regional low-cost carriers are positioned to offer alternatives. These airlines already serve large portions of the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Europe, and while none offer a direct one-to-one replacement, they play crucial roles in maintaining affordable air connectivity across the region. Flydubai launched in 2009 as a state-owned low-cost airline based in Dubai. It has since grown into one of the Gulf's most prominent budget carriers, providing essential connectivity to both major cities and underserved destinations. Flydubai plays a key role in regional mobility and long-haul budget travel, especially out of the UAE. Base: Dubai International Airport (DXB) Fleet: Over 80 aircraft, primarily Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX models Network: Serves more than 120 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East Notable Routes: India, Central Asia, Russia, Eastern Europe, Balkans, North Africa Model: Low-cost, unbundled fares with optional services for baggage, meals, and seating Air Arabia established in 2003, is the region's first and largest low-cost carrier. With multiple hubs, including Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, it is a major player in regional aviation, connecting high-volume expat and labour markets with the Gulf. Its consistently affordable pricing and strong regional network make it a natural fallback for budget-conscious flyers. Bases: Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), and other satellite hubs Fleet: All-Airbus A320 family aircraft Network: Extensive coverage across the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, Middle East, and North Africa Destinations: India, Egypt, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and various Gulf and CIS countries Positioning: Strong presence in labour-heavy corridors and secondary city routes Jazeera Airways founded in 2004, is Kuwait's privately owned low-cost airline. It has steadily expanded its reach across the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Europe. The airline targets mid-size and underserved cities, offering direct routes and competitive fares that attract both budget travellers and the diaspora. Base: Kuwait International Airport Fleet: 24 aircraft (mix of Airbus A320ceo and A320neo), with 26 additional aircraft on order Network: Covers Middle East, South Asia, and Europe Destinations: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Egypt, UAE, and Turkey Focus: Efficient point-to-point connections, especially from Gulf to South Asia SalamAir Oman's national budget carrier, began operations in 2017 and quickly positioned itself as a reliable low-cost option in the region. The airline serves both domestic and international routes with a focus on affordability and accessibility. Its modern fleet and growing international presence make it an important alternative for travellers flying in and out of the Gulf. Base: Muscat International Airport Fleet: 13 Airbus A320 family aircraft Network: 6 domestic and 37 international cities across 18 countries Coverage: Routes across GCC, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nepal, Turkey, and East Africa Recognition: Named Oman's Most Trusted Brand in 2022 and 2023 While these carriers each provide valuable services and growing networks, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi had a distinct advantage in its model: direct links to secondary cities across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, ultra-low fares, and a scale of operations that blended affordability with wide geographic reach. No single airline currently replicates that mix,meaning the void it leaves behind may take time to truly fill. Strategic Blow to Abu Dhabi's Aviation Vision Wizz Air Abu Dhabi was more than a commercial venture,it was a pillar in the capital's broader ambition to become a hub for affordable international travel. The partnership with ADQ was emblematic of the UAE's strategy to diversify its aviation ecosystem, previously dominated by long-haul luxury carriers like Etihad Airways. Wizz Air's low-cost operations: Expanded Abu Dhabi's connectivity to new markets. Brought in new demographics of visitors, including tourists from Eastern Europe and students from South Asia. Enabled Abu Dhabi to compete with Dubai and Doha as a transit point for budget-conscious travelers. With the airline's exit, Zayed International Airport loses a key enabler of low-cost connectivity. Authorities may now have to consider financial incentives, landing fee reductions, and targeted route subsidies to attract alternative operators that can plug the emerging connectivity gaps. FAQs: Q. Why is Wizz Air Abu Dhabi shutting down? Due to operational challenges including airspace closures, engine wear in extreme heat, limited market access, and supply chain issues. Q. When is the last day of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flights? All operations will cease after August 31, 2025. Q. Which destinations will be affected? Over 30 cities across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, many of them underserved by other carriers. Q. Will other airlines replace Wizz Air? Alternatives exist (Flydubai, Air Arabia, SalamAir, Jazeera), but none currently match Wizz Air's network or pricing. Q. What made Wizz Air fares so cheap? A no-frills model, single aircraft type, high-density seating, off-peak flying, and leased fuel-efficient planes — all built for cost efficiency.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How did Wizz Air Abu Dhabi managed to keep fares so low? Which airlines now offer the best alternatives?
While several low-cost carriers like Flydubai and Air Arabia remain, none fully replicate Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's reach or pricing model. Image: Gabala International Airport TL;DR Wizz Air Abu Dhabi shuts down September 1, 2025, ending a six-year run as the Gulf's first European LCC. Cited reasons: geopolitical instability, regulatory limits, engine issues in hot climates, and supply chain disruptions. Served over 3.5 million passengers in 2024, flying to 30+ destinations with ultra-low fares. Operated a hyper-efficient model: single fleet type, no-frills pricing, high aircraft utilization, and fuel-efficient leased aircraft. Exit creates a major void in affordable regional air travel, no airline currently replicates its scale or pricing. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi 's Exit Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the first European low-cost carrier (LCC) to establish a base in the Gulf, will cease all operations effective September 1, 2025. The airline's announcement, made yesterday, marks the end of a six-year run in the UAE, and its departure has left industry stakeholders, budget-conscious travellers, and regional policymakers facing a vacuum that will be difficult to fill. Citing a combination of geopolitical instability, regulatory limitations, airspace closures, hot-weather engine complications, and supply chain disruptions, Wizz Air has opted to dissolve its joint venture with Abu Dhabi's state-owned holding company ADQ and pivot its focus back to core European markets. CEO József Váradi described the decision as 'tough but necessary,' acknowledging that persistent structural challenges in the Gulf rendered Wizz Air's ambitious growth model unsustainable in the region. 'The operating environment has changed significantly,' Váradi said. '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 current market dynamics.' For travellers who came to rely on Wizz Air's ultra-low fares and direct connectivity to niche destinations, its exit is more than a strategic retreat, it's a disruption that may lead to lasting changes in how affordable travel functions across the UAE and the wider Gulf. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo A Strategic Entry That Redefined Gulf Connectivity Wizz Air's entry into the Gulf was a calculated strategic move that began with an announcement in December 2019. In partnership with ADQ (Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company), the airline created Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a 51:49 joint venture aimed at transforming Zayed International Airport into a budget airline hub for the region. The airline officially launched operations in November 2020 with just two Airbus A321neo aircraft, gradually scaling up to a fleet of 12 by mid-2024. At its peak, the airline was flying to over 30 destinations across Europe, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the broader Middle East, operating 230 weekly departures from its Abu Dhabi base. Within just a few years, Wizz Air had positioned itself not only as a disruptor but as a cornerstone of budget travel options for the Gulf's highly mobile, cost-sensitive population. From the outset, the carrier's mission was clear: provide ultra-low-cost travel to underserved markets while aligning with Abu Dhabi's ambitions to diversify its aviation and tourism sectors. Why Wizz Air Was Indispensable to Gulf Travellers Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the Gulf's first European low-cost carrier, disrupted a market dominated by premium airlines by offering fares up to 70% lower and direct routes to underserved international destinations. Its model expanded travel access for millions. Operating from Abu Dhabi, it served migrant workers, students, and middle-income families with affordable links to Eastern and Central Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Central Asia, North Africa, and South Asia. Who relied on it: South Asians from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka for home visits and education travel. Eastern Europeans (e.g. Romania, Ukraine, Georgia) for direct access to secondary cities. Central Asians lacking affordable alternatives to major hubs. Omani and Egyptian travellers using regional low-cost routes. Its focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities cut costs and avoided hub congestion. Crucially, it gave Abu Dhabi residents a budget option without relying on Dubai-based carriers. For many, Wizz Air was the only direct and affordable link to home or opportunity. Its exit leaves a gap that few airlines are currently equipped to fill. How Wizz Air managed to Keep Fares So Low Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's operational backbone was its ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) model, a system designed to squeeze maximum efficiency and profitability from every aspect of the airline's operations. This model wasn't just about cutting costs, but about engineering scale, simplicity, and standardization across the board, all while complying with stringent European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards. Key pillars of its model included: Single-Type Fleet (Airbus A320 Family) Wizz Air operated only Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, streamlining crew training, maintenance procedures, spare parts inventory, and scheduling. Fewer variables meant lower costs and faster turnaround times. High-Density Seating Configurations The A321neo aircraft were configured with up to 239 seats,significantly more than many competitors. , This allowed more passengers per flight, reducing per-seat cost and maximizing revenue. No-Frills, Unbundled Fare Structure Tickets included only a small personal item. Everything else,carry-ons, checked bags, meals, seat selection, and priority boarding,was charged separately, this kept base fares low and enabled strong ancillary revenue generation. High Aircraft Utilization Wizz Air minimized aircraft downtime by maintaining tight turnaround windows and scheduling flights at off-peak hours, including early mornings and late nights, more flight hours per aircraft per day = lower unit costs and higher asset efficiency. Use of Secondary or Budget Terminals Wherever possible, the airline flew out of lower-cost satellite terminals or regional airports with reduced landing fees and fewer ground handling expenses, faster boarding (often via front and rear stairs), fewer delays, and lower operating fees. Young, Fuel-Efficient Fleet The use of leased A320neo and A321neo aircraft, among the most fuel-efficient in their class, helped Wizz Air reduce fuel burn, cut carbon emissions, and lower maintenance needs. Strict Cost Controls with Safety Uncompromised Despite aggressive cost management, Wizz Air fully adhered to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, among the most rigorous globally, the airline maintained a strong safety record through uniform training protocols and modern equipment. This hyper-efficient system allowed Wizz Air to consistently underprice competitors while staying profitable, a rare balance in commercial aviation. Scale and Scope: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi by the Numbers Wizz Air Abu Dhabi built a significant presence at Zayed International Airport in a remarkably short time: Fleet: 12 aircraft (8 Airbus A321s and 4 A321neos) Weekly Departures: 230 flights Destinations: 30+ cities across three continents Passengers in 2024: 3.5 million (up 20% YoY) Flights Operated in 2024: 19,000 Seats Offered in 2024: 4.4 million Load Factor: Over 80% Market Share at AUH: 9% (compared to Etihad's 64% and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi's 9.1%) Weekly Seat Capacity: Approx. 34,400 departure seats These figures illustrate just how deeply Wizz Air had embedded itself into Abu Dhabi's air travel infrastructure and how vital it became to low-cost aviation in the region. Why Wizz Air Is Leaving: Challenges It Couldn't Overcome Despite local traction, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi couldn't overcome key structural barriers. The airline confirmed in July 2025 it will cease operations after August 31. Key challenges: Airspace restrictions: Ongoing regional conflicts led to repeated closures, forcing costly rerouting and schedule disruptions. Engine performance in heat: The A321neo's Pratt & Whitney engines degraded faster in extreme Gulf temperatures, causing frequent groundings and reduced fleet availability. Regulatory roadblocks: Limited access to markets like India, and North Africa stalled route expansion and growth plans. Supply chain delays: Global shortages in parts and aircraft limited fleet expansion and reliability. CEO József Váradi called the exit 'tough but necessary,' as the airline reallocates resources to less constrained European markets. Can Other Airlines Fill the Void? As Wizz Air Abu Dhabi prepares to exit the market by September 2025, several regional low-cost carriers are positioned to offer alternatives. These airlines already serve large portions of the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Europe, and while none offer a direct one-to-one replacement, they play crucial roles in maintaining affordable air connectivity across the region. Flydubai launched in 2009 as a state-owned low-cost airline based in Dubai. It has since grown into one of the Gulf's most prominent budget carriers, providing essential connectivity to both major cities and underserved destinations. Flydubai plays a key role in regional mobility and long-haul budget travel, especially out of the UAE. Base: Dubai International Airport (DXB) Fleet: Over 80 aircraft, primarily Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX models Network: Serves more than 120 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East Notable Routes: India, Central Asia, Russia, Eastern Europe, Balkans, North Africa Model: Low-cost, unbundled fares with optional services for baggage, meals, and seating Air Arabia established in 2003, is the region's first and largest low-cost carrier. With multiple hubs, including Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, it is a major player in regional aviation, connecting high-volume expat and labour markets with the Gulf. Its consistently affordable pricing and strong regional network make it a natural fallback for budget-conscious flyers. Bases: Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), and other satellite hubs Fleet: All-Airbus A320 family aircraft Network: Extensive coverage across the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, Middle East, and North Africa Destinations: India, Egypt, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and various Gulf and CIS countries Positioning: Strong presence in labour-heavy corridors and secondary city routes Jazeera Airways founded in 2004, is Kuwait's privately owned low-cost airline. It has steadily expanded its reach across the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Europe. The airline targets mid-size and underserved cities, offering direct routes and competitive fares that attract both budget travellers and the diaspora. Base: Kuwait International Airport Fleet: 24 aircraft (mix of Airbus A320ceo and A320neo), with 26 additional aircraft on order Network: Covers Middle East, South Asia, and Europe Destinations: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Egypt, UAE, and Turkey Focus: Efficient point-to-point connections, especially from Gulf to South Asia SalamAir Oman's national budget carrier, began operations in 2017 and quickly positioned itself as a reliable low-cost option in the region. The airline serves both domestic and international routes with a focus on affordability and accessibility. Its modern fleet and growing international presence make it an important alternative for travellers flying in and out of the Gulf. Base: Muscat International Airport Fleet: 13 Airbus A320 family aircraft Network: 6 domestic and 37 international cities across 18 countries Coverage: Routes across GCC, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nepal, Turkey, and East Africa Recognition: Named Oman's Most Trusted Brand in 2022 and 2023 While these carriers each provide valuable services and growing networks, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi had a distinct advantage in its model: direct links to secondary cities across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, ultra-low fares, and a scale of operations that blended affordability with wide geographic reach. No single airline currently replicates that mix,meaning the void it leaves behind may take time to truly fill. Strategic Blow to Abu Dhabi's Aviation Vision Wizz Air Abu Dhabi was more than a commercial venture,it was a pillar in the capital's broader ambition to become a hub for affordable international travel. The partnership with ADQ was emblematic of the UAE's strategy to diversify its aviation ecosystem, previously dominated by long-haul luxury carriers like Etihad Airways. Wizz Air's low-cost operations: Expanded Abu Dhabi's connectivity to new markets. Brought in new demographics of visitors, including tourists from Eastern Europe and students from South Asia. Enabled Abu Dhabi to compete with Dubai and Doha as a transit point for budget-conscious travelers. With the airline's exit, Zayed International Airport loses a key enabler of low-cost connectivity. Authorities may now have to consider financial incentives, landing fee reductions, and targeted route subsidies to attract alternative operators that can plug the emerging connectivity gaps. FAQs: Q. Why is Wizz Air Abu Dhabi shutting down? Due to operational challenges including airspace closures, engine wear in extreme heat, limited market access, and supply chain issues. Q. When is the last day of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flights? All operations will cease after August 31, 2025. Q. Which destinations will be affected? Over 30 cities across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, many of them underserved by other carriers. Q. Will other airlines replace Wizz Air? Alternatives exist (Flydubai, Air Arabia, SalamAir, Jazeera), but none currently match Wizz Air's network or pricing. Q. What made Wizz Air fares so cheap? A no-frills model, single aircraft type, high-density seating, off-peak flying, and leased fuel-efficient planes — all built for cost efficiency.
Korea Herald
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Lim Yoon-a leads genre-bending 'Pretty Crazy' from hitmaker behind 'Exit'
'Exit' stars Cho Jung-seok and Lim Yoon-a clash in a summer box office battle Never mind red flags — picture the girl next door turning into a demon at night. In "Pretty Crazy," Lim Yoon-a takes on a dual persona in this genre-blending summer entry from the team behind "Exit." "Pretty Crazy" centers on Gil-goo (Ahn Bo-hyun), who falls for Seon-ji (Lim Yoon-a), a new tenant living one floor below. But the budding romance takes a sharp turn when Gil-goo discovers that Seon-ji transforms into a demon each night. Her father soon ropes Gil-goo into the part-time job of protecting her after dark. Backing the film is Film R&K, known for producing consistent summer hits such as "Exit," "Escape from Mogadishu" and "Smugglers," as well as last year's "I, the Executioner." The film reunites Lim with director Lee Sang-geun, following their successful collaboration on "Exit," which drew more than 9.4 million moviegoers during its theatrical run. Lim, an actor as well as a member of K-pop group Girls' Generation, cited their past work together as a key reason she returned. 'I had so many good memories from working on 'Exit,'' Lim said during a press conference held Wednesday in Seoul's Yongsan-gu. 'I remember thinking how happy I'd be if I ever got to work with this team again, and then the director offered me such a lovable character that I gladly agreed to join the project.' Director Lee also reflected on what drove him to make "Pretty Crazy." 'When thinking about what to present as my second film, I felt that since my previous work had a large-scale setup, this time I wanted to create a project that dives deeper into characters and the human experience,' he said. Lim detailed the physical and stylistic changes she underwent to portray Seon-ji's split nature. 'I wanted there to be a clear visual distinction at a glance,' she said. 'Daytime Seon-ji has a pure, clean and girlish image, so I adjusted my hairstyle, wardrobe and even voice tone to reflect that.' She continued, 'For the demonic version of Seonji, I paid attention to every detail from head to toe. While the daytime version has straight hair, the demonic Seon-ji has a curly hairstyle with bold elements. I even got nail art and wore colored contact lenses to show a completely different look. I also tried to differentiate my voice tone, facial expressions and even the way I laughed.' "Pretty Crazy" opens in theaters Aug. 13, shortly following the release of "My Daughter is a Zombie," led by Cho Jung-seok, Lim's "Exit" co-star, now returning as her box office competition. 'I can't believe it's already been six years since 'Exit.' Back then, Cho and I were partners, so it feels meaningful to greet audiences this summer through different films, side by side,' Lim said. ''My Daughter is a Zombie' opens first, and I hope that crowds will continue to pack the theaters with 'Pretty Crazy' right after it.'
LeMonde
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- LeMonde
The Exit music festival in Serbia faces closure as government cracks down on dissent
LETTER FROM CENTRAL EUROPE After 25 years in Serbia, the 2025 edition of the renowned Exit music festival, which opens Thursday, July 10, in Novi Sad, may be the last to take place in the country. "We cannot accept operating in a country where our fundamental freedom of expression is called into question," said Dusan Kovacevic, the festival's director. Each year, tens of thousands of attendees gather for several days of concerts in the fortress overlooking the Danube in Serbia's second largest city. "Ever since we supported the fight of Serbian students for justice and freedom, all our funding has been cut," said the forty-something. The festival announced in mid-June that it was being pushed "into exile" due to "enormous government pressure" following its support for the broad anti-corruption protest movement that has swept this country of 6.6 million people since November 2024. The accidental collapse of the canopy at Novi Sad train station, 100 kilometers northwest of Belgrade, which killed 16 people, triggered the protest movement. Since this tragedy, massive demonstrations have taken place across the country against nationalist president Aleksandar Vucic, in power since 2017, who has been accused of allowing corruption to flourish. The government has tried to suppress the protests by increasingly authoritarian means: arrests have become more common, as have sanctions against cultural institutions that have shown their support for the movement by sharing what has become its symbol: a bloodied red hand.
