Wizz Air’s Abu Dhabi exit: What to do if you have tickets booked
Here's what to do if your travel plans are affected by the ultra-low-cost carrier’s exit
Abu Dhabi: The Monday morning announcement from Hungarian ultra-low-cost Wizz Air that it will be suspending all operations from its Abu Dhabi base by the end of August has left many passengers with booked tickets for the ongoing travel season wondering about their next steps.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a low-cost carrier that has been operating from Zayed International Airport since 2020, cited several reasons for its departure, including engine reliability challenges in the region's climate and geopolitical factors.
According to airline CEO József Váradi, supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the airline’s original ambitions.
"While this was a difficult decision, it is the right one given the circumstances. We continue to focus on our core markets and on initiatives that enhance Wizz Air's customer proposition and build shareholder value,” Váradi said.
All flights are scheduled to cease after August 31 this year. This means that if you have a flight booked with the airline for travel from September 1 onwards, your flight will be cancelled.
However, it’s crucial for passengers with bookings before this date to also stay informed, as potential disruptions could occur in the lead-up to the full suspension.
Here’s what passengers with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi tickets should do:
Check your booking details: The first step is to locate and review your booking confirmation. Note the dates of your flights, booking reference number, and the method through which you made the booking (directly with Wizz Air or via a travel agent/third-party website).
Direct bookings: If you booked your tickets directly through the Wizz Air website or mobile application, the airline has stated that it will be contacting you with options for a full refund or alternative travel arrangements, where feasible. Keep a close eye on your email inbox (including spam folders) and monitor the airline website and app for any official announcements or updates.
Third-party bookings: If you booked your flight through a travel agent or an online travel platform, Wizz Air has advised that you should contact them directly. These agents will be your primary point of contact for seeking refunds or exploring alternative travel options. Be prepared to provide them with your booking details.
Explore alternative travel: Given that the summer travel season is underway, it’s prudent to start exploring alternative flight options with other airlines, especially if your travel dates are fixed and time sensitive. Be aware that prices for last-minute bookings might be higher.
Gather documentation: Keep copies of all communication with Wizz Air or your booking agent, including emails, chat logs, and phone call records. This documentation can be essential if you encounter any issues with the refund or alternative booking process.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's exit will undoubtedly impact some travellers' summer plans, particularly those who were looking for budget-friendly options. Passengers may need to adjust their budgets and consider flying with other airlines that operate on similar routes. It's advisable to check the schedules and availability of other carriers serving your intended destinations from Abu Dhabi.
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