Wizz Air Suspends Abu Dhabi Operations Amid Geopolitical ChallengesDUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Low-cost carrier Wizz Air announced it will halt all flight operations from Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport starting September 1, citing geopolitical instability and operational challenges impacting profitability.

The Hungarian airline, in a statement posted on X, said it aims to refocus on its core markets in Central and Eastern Europe. The decision follows a volatile period in the Middle East, including a recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran that disrupted regional airspace and strained airline operations.Wizz Air CEO József Váradi described the airline's Middle East venture as "a tremendous journey" but noted that "supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access" have made sustaining operations in Abu Dhabi untenable.

The Abu Dhabi hub, launched in partnership with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Co., marked Wizz Air's first venture outside Europe. However, Zayed International Airport has struggled to compete with Dubai, the world's busiest hub for international travel.

The suspension reflects broader challenges for airlines navigating the region's complex geopolitical landscape and operational hurdles.