Wizz Air launches in Abu Dhabi
Wizz Air, the largest low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe, announced today five new routes from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
The establishment of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, which is expected to begin operations this year subject to aviation activities being resumed in the respective countries, marks Wizz Air’s first airline established outside of Europe.
“Wizz Air’s new routes to Budapest, Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Katowice and Sofia highlights our commitment to connecting Abu Dhabi with the most sought-after global destinations. These new routes positively reflect the industry’s resilience and its capability to continue pushing forward with bold plans that will stimulate consumer demand and the sustained recovery of the aviation market,” said Shareef Al Hashmi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports.
He continued: “As our newest landing partner, we welcome Wizz Air and its first routes with open arms as we get set to facilitate the carrier’s exciting Abu Dhabi expansion plans. Visitors from Hungary, Romania, Poland and Bulgaria can look forward to enjoying our modern terminal facilities with a unique brand of Arabian hospitality before seamlessly heading out to experience the UAE’s thriving capital city, Abu Dhabi.”
In line with the new health and safety requirements bought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the airline has recently announced several additional measures to support physical distancing during boarding and enhanced cleanliness on board. These include: asking passengers to handle bookings online where possible, including online check-in, baggage drop-off as well as opting in for contactless payment during onboard purchases; requiring crew and passengers to wear masks onboard flights; thoroughly cleaning the aircraft several times a day and disinfected them overnight; handing out sanitizing pads to passengers at boarding; and observing seat distancing measures for passengers on flights where the load factor allows for it.
CEO of Wizz Air Holdings József Váradi also commented: “Today’s announcement underpins our long-term dedication to bringing low fares combined with a high-quality onboard experience to ever more customers in Abu Dhabi. I am delighted that our operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport will begin in June, subject to lifting the travel bans, connecting the capital of the United Arab Emirates with five major cities of Central and Eastern Europe as Budapest, Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Katowice and Sofia. We are convinced that our passengers will appreciate the convenient flight schedules, the easy online booking system and the wide range of tailor-made travel options Wizz Air offers.
“Wizz Air’s mission feeds into Abu Dhabi’s diversified economic strategy as we continue to stimulate traffic by creating demand to the benefit of growing Abu Dhabi’s touristic and economic diversity. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board our young, green and ultra-efficient fleet, while we pay extra attention to the health and well-being of our passengers and crew.”