As Wizz Air exits, Air Arabia steps up to deliver more affordable travel
In a dynamic twist in the UAE’s aviation scene, Air Arabia is gearing up for a major expansion in 2025, as Wizz Air Abu Dhabi announces its exit and Etihad Airways continues its growth spree.
The low-cost carrier has just added two new Airbus A320 aircraft to its fleet and plans to welcome two more before the year ends, marking a bold 40 per cent increase in operational capacity.
This move positions Air Arabia to not only fill the gap left by Wizz Air’s recent shutdown but also to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a key aviation hub in the Middle East.
Filling the void
Launched in 2020 as the capital’s first low-cost airline, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi currently operates a fleet of 12 aircraft, connecting Abu Dhabi to over 30 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Eastern Europe.
The addition of two more A320s, with two already integrated, underscores the airline’s commitment to meeting rising travel demand and supporting the UAE’s ambitious economic and tourism development plans.
A shifting aviation landscape in Abu Dhabi
While Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is accelerating its growth, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi shocked the market with its recent decision to cease operations, a move that left many travelers seeking alternatives.
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Meanwhile, Etihad Airways, the national carrier, is simultaneously expanding its premium and international offerings, reinforcing its position as a full-service airline alongside Air Arabia’s budget-friendly approach.
This dual expansion by Etihad and Air Arabia, coupled with Wizz Air’s departure, signals a realignment in Abu Dhabi’s airline ecosystem, ultimately benefiting passengers through increased options and connectivity.
New routes
Air Arabia has been actively broadening its network, with recent route launches to destinations like Yerevan (Armenia), Almaty (Kazakhstan), and Sialkot (Pakistan), tapping into emerging markets and diaspora communities.
The 40 per cent capacity boost in 2025 will enable the airline to scale these connections further and explore new destinations.
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