Latest news with #lowcostairlines


Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Khaleej Times
WizzAir's Abu Dhabi exit: 7 ultra-low-cost airlines offering flights starting from Dh189
With Wizz Air discontinuing its operations, budget travellers can still explore affordable options like SalamAir, Flynas, SpiceJet, Jazeera Airways, Air Arabia, Flyadeal, Fly Jinnah and more. Following Wizz Air's announcement that it will suspend its Abu Dhabi operations starting September 1, 2025, many UAE residents will have other low-cost airlines to continue their travel plans without breaking the bank. Wizz Air, known for its cheap airfare, sometimes cheaper than a cab ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, played a major role in making international travel accessible to budget-conscious flyers. But UAE residents still have a wide range of affordable options to choose from. Here's a look at other ultra-low-cost carriers operating in and around the UAE, offering competitive fares and direct routes. Flyadeal: Dh189 to Riyadh If you are looking to visit Saudi Arabia, Flyadeal offers Dubai to Riyadh flights starting at Dh189. It's one of the cheapest fares available right now and perfect for a short trip or a weekend visit. Air Arabia: Dh462 to Baku Air Arabia, based in Sharjah, flies to many destinations, including Baku in Azerbaijan and other Caucasian countries. Fares start at Dh462, and the airline is known for its regular promotions of packages and simple travel experiences. Flynas: Dh272 to Madinah For religious or family travel, Flynas offers flights from Dubai to Madinah starting at Dh272. It's a good alternative for those who used to rely on Wizz Air for trips to Saudi Arabia. SalamAir: Dh321 to Salalah If you are planning a trip during Khareef season, SalamAir is still flying from Dubai to Salalah with fares from Dh321. Many UAE residents head to Oman for its green hills and cool weather this time of year. SpiceJet: Dh398 to Delhi Looking to head to India? SpiceJet has flights from Dubai to Delhi starting at Dh398. You'll have to pay extra for bags and meals, but it's still a cost-effective option for quick trips. Jazeera Airways: Dh525 to Kuwait Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways flies from Dubai to Kuwait City with fares beginning at Dh525. A good option for short visits. Fly Jinnah: Dh230 to Karachi Fly Jinnah, a newer low-cost airline, is flying from Sharjah to Karachi starting at just Dh230. For budget travellers heading to Pakistan, it's one of the cheapest fares currently available. Tips for travelling cheap According to Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Travels, travellers can still save big if they plan smart. 'Book early. the lowest fares usually disappear fast,' he said. 'Also, travel light. If you can skip checked baggage, you'll save even more. Signing up for fare alerts is a great way to catch flash sales that airlines announce through their apps or emails.' Subair also recommends comparing nearby airports when searching for flights. 'Sometimes, flying out of Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah instead of main cities can make a noticeable difference in price, especially with budget carriers,' he added.


Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE travellers 'upset' after Wizz Air exit forces hunt for other low-cost airlines
Every month, Shehna Mansoor Ali and her husband would hop on a Wizz Air flight and take advantage of its budget flights to visit new countries. However, after the low-cost carrier's recent announcement to cease operations in Abu Dhabi, the 50-year-old said it was 'upsetting' and that her frequency of travel will decrease. Even though there are alternatives for low-budget airlines, Shehna said that 'it's going to be hard to match that level.' Starting September 1, 2025, Wizz Air flights will no longer fly out from Abu Dhabi, which has led Shehna, along with many other cost-conscious residents in the UAE dependent upon the low-budget airline, to look elsewhere. 'When I saw the news, it was a bit disappointing,' said Anzal Latheef, a 35-year-old talent acquisition professional. 'I've been a frequent flyer on Wizz, and I've saved a lot through their membership plans. This will really affect those looking to travel on a budget.' Latheef has used the low-cost carrier for more than 20 of his travel plans. 'I do a lot of solo travel, and this was really helpful and now I think it's a pain, with [Wizz Air] leaving the operations,' he said. After September, Latheef said he will be looking at other options for 'budget-friendly' airlines, like Air Arabia. For Mohamed S, one reason for his loyalty to the airline was its flexibility. He used to fly on Wizz Air three to four times a year. 'The prices are more expensive for other airlines, and they don't have the same flexibility,' he said. Mohamed said that Wizz Air's exit would affect his budget for future travels. Like Latheef, Mohamed said he will be looking at alternatives like Air Arabia and Flydubai. Wizz Air's operations started in early 2021, when the Hungarian-based company joined forces with Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ) to set up a subsidiary in the capital. On Monday, Wizz Air's CEO put out a statement on its Abu Dhabi exit, citing 'supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access' as the main motivators.

CBC
08-07-2025
- CBC
Italian airport temporarily closed after man dies on runway
Italy's Milan Bergamo Airport, which offers low-cost airline connections to and from Milan, was temporarily closed on Tuesday after a man died on a runway during takeoff preparations for a flight. Flight operations were suspended from 10:20 a.m. until midday local time "due to a problem that occurred on the taxiway," the airport said in a statement, adding that authorities were investigating. A spokesperson confirmed that a man had died, adding that he was neither a passenger nor a member of airport staff. According to the ANSA news agency, the man was sucked into the engine of a departing plane. He ran toward the moving aircraft, chased by airport police who were unable to stop him, it added. The Bergamo police had no immediate comment. Spanish low-cost carrier Volotea said in a statement that following an incident with an engine of its 10:35 am flight to Asturias, "one person who was not on board ... and has no connection with the company suffered serious injuries." The 154 passengers on the plane were rescheduled on an afternoon flight and offered psychological support, as were crew members who may have been traumatized by the events, Volotea said.


Irish Times
08-07-2025
- Irish Times
Man dies at Milan Bergamo Airport ‘after being sucked into plane engine'
Italy 's Bergamo airport, which offers low-cost airline connections to and from nearby Milan, was temporarily closed on Tuesday after a man died on a runway during take-off preparations for a flight. Flight operations were suspended from 10.20am until midday local time (11am Irish time) 'due to a problem that occurred on the taxiway', the airport said in a statement, adding that authorities were investigating. A spokesperson confirmed that a man had died, adding that he was neither a passenger nor a member of airport staff. According to the Ansa news agency, the man was sucked into the engine of a departing plane. He ran toward the moving aircraft, chased by airport police who were unable to stop him, it added. READ MORE The Bergamo police had no immediate comment. Spanish low-cost carrier Volotea said in a statement that following an incident with an engine of its 10.35am flight to Asturias, Spain, that 'one person who was not on board ... and has no connection with the company suffered serious injuries'. The 154 passengers on the plane were rescheduled on an afternoon flight and offered psychological support, as were crew members who may have been traumatised by the events, Volotea added. - Reuters

Al Arabiya
08-07-2025
- Al Arabiya
Italy's Bergamo airport closed after man dies on runway
Italy's Bergamo airport, which offers low-cost airline connections to and from nearby Milan, was temporarily closed on Tuesday after a man died on a runway during take-off preparations for a flight. Flight operations were suspended from 1020 to 12 local time (0820-1000 GMT) 'due to a problem that occurred on the taxiway', the airport said in a statement, adding that the incident was being investigated by authorities. A spokesperson confirmed that a man had died, adding that he was neither a passenger nor a member of airport staff. According to the ANSA news agency, the man was sucked to death by the engine of a departing Volotea flight. The Italian press office for the Spanish low-cost carrier was not immediately available for comment.