European low cost carrier to go head-to-head with Etihad Airways’ low-cost joint venture with Air Arabia, AIRA.DU

European low-cost carrier Wizz Air is set to launch Wizz Air Abu Dhabi in the second half of 2020, its first carrier outside of Europe.

The Budapest-based airline is one of the largest low-cost airlines in central and Eastern Europe and its new carrier aims to offer flights from Europe to the Middle East, and longer term to the Indian subcontinent and Africa.

Competition from Etihad Airways’ joint venture

Wizz Air Holdings Chief Executive Jozsef Varadi said: “We believe the new airline has the potential to be a significant player in the region.”

The new venture is set to face competition from Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways’ low-cost joint venture with Air Arabia AIRA.DU, which is expected to start operations by the second quarter of 2020 from Abu Dhabi.

Wizz Air flies to 44 countries and has operated flights from European cities to Dubai since 2013. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will be formed via a joint venture with state-owned Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company PJSC. The airline will operate with a fleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft and gain access to market with 5 billion potential customers across Europe and beyond.
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