Latest news with #flightsuspension
Khaleej Times
3 days 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.
UAE Moments
5 days ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
Wizz Air to Exit Abu Dhabi Operations Amid Challenges
Budget airline Wizz Air just hit the brakes on its Abu Dhabi operations, confirming it will suspend all locally based flights starting September 2025. The announcement comes amid a turbulent time for the region, with the carrier citing geopolitical tensions, operational roadblocks, and limited market access as major factors behind the decision. 'Supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our original ambitions,' said Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi in a statement. 'While this was a difficult decision, it is the right one given the circumstances.' The airline, which launched Wizz Air Abu Dhabi in 2021 as part of its Gulf expansion strategy, had initially promised ultra-low fares and exciting new connections for travelers in the Middle East. But now, it's shifting its focus back to core markets in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Austria, Italy, and the UK. ✈️ What Does This Mean for UAE Travelers? If you had plans to fly with Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi after this summer, you'll need to rethink your travel itinerary. The final flights from the capital will wrap up before September, after which Wizz Air's Gulf-based routes will officially be grounded. 📍 Why Is Wizz Air Leaving Abu Dhabi? The carrier pointed to ongoing supply chain struggles —something plaguing airlines globally—as well as regional instability, which continues to impact travel demand and airline operations across the Middle East. 🌍 What's Next for Wizz Air? While Wizz Air says goodbye to the UAE skies (for now), it's not going anywhere entirely. The company is doubling down on Europe, reinforcing operations in key destinations where demand remains strong and logistics are more manageable. Stay tuned for updates on rebooking options or route changes from the airline if you've already got tickets lined up.
Times of Oman
24-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Qatar Airways' temporary flights suspension due to air traffic movement closure
DOHA: Qatar Airways confirms the temporary suspension of its flights due to the closure of air traffic movement in the State of Qatar. The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers, and will resume operations when the airspace reopens. Once usual operations resume, we anticipate significant delays to our flight schedule. We have also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Kuwait Airways suspends flight departures amid regional crisis
Kuwait Airways has suspended on Monday flight departures from the country due to regional developments, it said in a post on X. The announcement follows a closure of airspace by Qatar and Bahrain as Iran attacked the Al Udeid U.S. military base in Doha. The Gulf is home to several U.S. military bases. (Reporting by Menna Alaa El-Din and Jaidaa Tahah; Editing by Toby Chopra)
