Low-cost airline Wizz Air has announced that it will suspend all of its Abu Dhabi-based flights starting September 1, citing geopolitical instability and operational challenges that have put pressure on the company’s profitability, Euronews reports.

The Hungarian carrier stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the decision was made in order to focus on its core markets in Central and Eastern Europe. The suspension of operations comes amid escalating regional tensions following the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which led to airspace closures and significant disruptions in the aviation sector.

Wizz Air CEO József Váradi said the company has had a “remarkable journey in the Middle East” but noted that the “operating environment has changed significantly.” He highlighted global supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access as key challenges that have made it impossible to meet the company’s initial goals.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a subsidiary of the airline, was established in partnership with the state-owned Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company and marked Wizz Air’s first venture outside Europe.

Airport authorities in Abu Dhabi have not provided a comment. Zayed International Airport in the UAE capital remains well behind its rival airport in Dubai, which served 92.3 million passengers last year compared to Abu Dhabi’s 28.8 million.

The decision also comes amid a sharp drop in Wizz Air’s profits. For the most recent fiscal year, the airline reported a 41.5% decline in net profit — from €365.9 million to €213.9 million — despite a 3.8% increase in revenue to €5.3 billion.

The company stated that halting operations in Abu Dhabi will free up resources to be redirected toward “regions with greater long-term potential for sustainable growth and profitability.”

Wizz Air’s withdrawal from the Abu Dhabi market comes at a time when the United Arab Emirates is striving to boost tourism and diversify its economy beyond its reliance on hydrocarbons. | BGNES