The low-cost carrier’s Middle Eastern arm, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, was launched in early 2021 as a joint venture with ADQ (Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company), a state-owned investment fund.

Wizz Air owns a 49% stake in the venture, a stake the airline now seeks to offload, while ADQ holds the remaining 51%.

The exit comes after a series of operational headwinds that have undermined the viability of Wizz Air’s ultra-low-cost model in the Gulf.

Among the most pressing issues, according to the company, were declining aircraft reliability in hot and extreme operating environments, geopolitical instability leading to repeated airspace closures and disruptions, and regulatory hurdles that restricted access to key markets such as India and Pakistan.

“These factors have compromised the sustainability of profitable operations in the region”, Wizz Air said in a statement, adding that its business model had proven far more resilient in Europe, where the airline sees continued growth potential.

The airline now plans to expand its presence not only in its home markets across Central and Eastern Europe but also in Western European countries such as Austria, Italy and the United Kingdom.

The withdrawal marks a retreat from a region that once appeared to be a launchpad for further expansion, but has instead become a drain on resources amid rising regional volatility and competitive pressures.
 

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