Latest news with #JozsefVaradi
Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
'Don't want to leave UAE': Wizz Air employees struggle with sudden exit, look for jobs
As ultra-low-cost airline Wizz Air prepares to shut down its Abu Dhabi operations from September, 2025, some of its employees are facing an uncertain future. The sudden announcement has left them worried and confused, with many seeking clarity from management about their options. Wizz Air has hundreds of employees connected to its UAE operations, according to a staff member who spoke to Khaleej Time s. This includes pilots, cabin crew, managers, and other staff. "We are uncertain of the situation," said the employee, who did not wish to be named. 'No staff working directly at the Abu Dhabi airport will be affected by the closure, but beyond that, we don't know what will happen. The decision was sudden and is being handled at a high-level board meeting. Flights have been full for a long time, so this news came as a surprise to all of us." In 2024, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi reported more than a 20 per cent year-on-year growth in seat capacity and the number of passengers carried. Earlier this week, the carrier announced that it is suspending its Abu Dhabi operation and will exit the joint venture, citing geopolitical situation, regulatory challenges and stiff competition. Bloomberg reported Wednesday that Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi held a call with employees and offered them the opportunity to take another job across the budget carrier's European network. The employee Khaleej Times spoke to confirmed that some staff members have been informed of potential opportunities to transfer to the airline's other bases in Europe. 'Some have been offered positions in places like Malta, Hungary, or the UK. But not everyone will be able to take these offers.' For those who prefer to stay in the UAE, the options are less clear. 'Many employees are now looking for jobs with other airlines operating here or in neighbouring countries,' the employee added. 'But with the job market as competitive as it is, there's no guarantee everyone will find something.' Another Wizz Air staff member shared the personal impact of the news. 'We don't want to leave the UAE. We have made this country our home, and it's the best place to live and work for us. Some of us have already started applying for positions with other UAE airlines, hoping to continue our careers here,' she said. She described how difficult it has been waiting for more details. 'The management hasn't given us a clear plan yet. We receive bits and pieces of information from various sources, but it's challenging to determine what to believe. The uncertainty is stressful for all of us.' Several employees expressed sadness over the sudden nature of the announcement. 'There was no prior notice or warning,' said the first employee. 'One day we were operating flights as usual, and the next, we heard that the Abu Dhabi base would close. It's upsetting for us, our families, and the many service providers who work with Wizz Air here.' Wizz Air was one of the low-cost carriers to operate out of Abu Dhabi and helped make international travel affordable for thousands of residents. 'It's sad to see Wizz Air leave because they gave many people the chance to travel to Europe and beyond at reasonable prices,' said the employee. 'We know how much our passengers relied on us, and we feel the loss too.' Looking ahead, the future of employees who cannot secure new roles remains unclear. 'Some may be forced to return to their home countries if they don't find work in Europe, the UAE, or nearby,' the employee said. 'That's a difficult reality many of us are preparing for, but we hope it doesn't come to that.' Many employees remain hopeful. "We are trying to stay positive and keep looking for opportunities,' said the staff member. "The UAE has been a great place to live and work. We want to continue being part of this community in any way we can.' For now, the employees wait anxiously for official updates from the airline's management and hope for clearer answers in the weeks ahead.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Hundreds of employees in limbo after Wizz Air's Abu Dhabi flight suspension
Around 450 employees of Wizz Air are in a state of limbo after the airline announced suspension of flights from Abu Dhabi from September, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. The news agency reported that Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi held a call with the employees and offered them the opportunity to take another job across the budget carrier's European network. However, according to Bloomberg, many employees will find it difficult to migrate to Europe. Quoting the CEO, it reported that the affected employees will be awarded a bonus payment in September. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. A Wizz Air Abu Dhabi employee, who wished not to be named, confirmed that the airline management held a conference call with the employees on Wednesday, offering them different options. The airline's 2024 annual report didn't disclose the number of employees recruited by the ultra-low-cost carrier for its Abu Dhabi operations. However, its annual report revealed that it has a global workforce of more than 8,000 employees, combining international and local expertise hailing from over 100 different nationalities. In recent years, it said employee offers have been enhanced to provide more attractive benefits to all workers. Earlier, Wizz Air announced the suspension of flights from Abu Dhabi from September 1 and also its exit from the joint venture with the Abu Dhabi partner. The company blamed three key factors for its decision to pull out of Abu Dhabi. These include engine reliability constraints, particularly in hot and harsh environments, which have impacted aircraft availability and operational efficiency; geopolitical volatility, which has led to repeated airspace closures and operational disruptions across the region, as well as wreaking consumer demand; and regulatory barriers, which have limited the company's ability to access and scale in key markets. It said passengers with existing bookings beyond August 31, 2025, will be contacted directly via email with options for refunds or alternative travel arrangements. It reported non-current assets of 56.5 million euros at the end of 2024 as compared to 32.5 million euros in the previous year.
Bloomberg
a day ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Wizz Exit From Abu Dhabi Leaves Hundreds of Staff in Limbo
Wizz Air Holdings Plc 's decision to suspend its Abu Dhabi operation has put up to 450 jobs in limbo, as some employees will find it impossible to relocate to Europe. Every employee in Abu Dhabi will have the opportunity to take another job across the budget carrier's European network, Chief Executive Officer Jozsef Varadi said on a video call with staff seen by Bloomberg News. Affected employees also are due a bonus payment in September, he said at the Monday meeting after announcing the shutdown.
Gulf Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Wizz Air responds to refund queries on X after Abu Dhabi exit
Low-cost carrier Wizz Air is actively addressing refund requests from affected passengers on X (formerly Twitter), following its decision to In an The move, described by Wizz Air as a response to 'geopolitical instability, repeated airspace closures, and regulatory challenges,' has impacted travelers who booked flights for dates beyond 1 September 2025. In the days following the announcement, numerous users took to X to seek clarity on cancellations and refunds. Wizz Air's social media team has been quick to respond to individual posts, repeatedly asking users to send private messages for assistance. In some cases, Wizz Air has also encouraged passengers to contact its WhatsApp support directly at +44 7830 738860, offering a more immediate line of communication. Scaling back Meanwhile, Wizz Air's CEO József Váradi confirmed to Reuters that the airline intends to 'scale back' its order of 47 Airbus A321XLR aircraft in light of the Abu Dhabi withdrawal. He also revealed that talks are underway with Airbus to convert some of that order into A321 models, which are more compatible with Wizz Air's revised operational focus. The airline reiterated that only Abu Dhabi operations are affected, and all other Wizz Air group flights will continue as scheduled. As Wizz Air pivots its strategy toward more stable and profitable markets, its handling of customer concerns, especially across social platforms, will be key to maintaining brand trust during this transition.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Wizz Air to exit Abu Dhabi: Budget flyers may see airfares go up by 50%, say travel agents
Budget airline Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has announced it will cease operations starting September 1, 2025. Travel agents warn the airline's departure could drive airfares up by more than 50 per cent, as passengers scramble for alternative low-cost options. 'If [passengers] want to divert themselves to other airlines, it'll be a huge cost, maybe more than 50 per cent,' Bharat Aidasani, managing partner at travel agency Pluto Travel, told Khaleej Times. Aidasani explained that this is because ' Wizz Air's ultra-low-cost tickets are often booked two or three months in advance. Now, travellers will face significantly higher fares with other airlines,' he said, adding that the move would erode trust among passengers who rely on early, budget-friendly bookings. 'People who are relying on low-budget carriers like Wizz Air will now have low confidence,' Aidasani said. 'When they book in advance, they feel secure in their travel plans. This kind of disruption impacts not just travel costs, but travel confidence too.' Wizz Air CEO József Váradi said in a statement on Monday it was leaving Abu Dhabi, citing a combination of supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access as key reasons for its withdrawal from the UAE capital. Re-booking and refunds Passengers with bookings after August 31, 2025, will be contacted by Wizz Air via email with options for refunds or alternative travel arrangements. Moreover, those who booked through third-party providers are advised to contact their travel agents. 'Re-booking costs will depend on factors like the season, availability, and specific routes,' Aidasani said. 'July and August are high travel seasons, so many had already booked for summer travel well in advance.' 'For travellers, low-cost carriers like Wizz Air are very important,' said Malou Prado, a travel agent. 'We used to get a lot of clients requesting Wizz Air because it was the cheapest option available. Even those who were traveling specifically to Abu Dhabi chose Wizz because of the price.' Despite the loss of Wizz Air, some industry professionals believe other regional players could step up to absorb the displaced demand. 'Maybe flydubai,' Prado suggested, when asked who might fill the void. 'They're more stable. Maybe there will be partnerships with flydubai, or even Etihad.' However, she acknowledged that no other airline offers the same mix of ultra-low prices and aggressive promotions that Wizz Air did.
