5 days ago
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.
