Last Friday (15 January) the UAE’s newest airline, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, began operations with its inaugural flight to Athens (Greece) from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Services are presently planned twice weekly, Monday and Friday, and will be followed by flights to Thessaloniki, starting 4 February.

Chairman, József Váradi, said: “The launch of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi recognises Abu Dhabi as a bold new frontier for ultra-low fare travel in the region. We most welcome the opportunity to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s efforts to provide a new segment of travel in the UAE in line with its socio-economic vision. We are looking forward to working in strategic partnership with our stakeholders in Abu Dhabi for the benefits of the country by opening up new travel options for residents and tourists.”

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a joint venture established between ADQ (an UAE state-funded enterprise) and Wizz Air Ltd, listed on the London Stock Exchange and registered in Jersey.  

An initial route network has been announced that includes Athens, Thessaloniki, Alexandria, Kutaisi, Larnaca, Odesa and Yerevan.

The airline claims to have the lowest environmental footprint in the region, with its fleet of four new Airbus A321neo aircraft. It faces competition from Flydubai located 100 miles along the Gulf coast at Terminal 3 Dubai International Airport.

Wizz Air also expects to start flights to Tel Aviv (Israel) next month.

wizzair.com/en-gb/flights/abu-dhabi