ABU DHABI: Wizz Air is returning to Dubai and Abu Dhabi with new flights to Europe, about a year after ending its locally based operations in the UAE.
The low-cost airline announced that Dubai and Abu Dhabi will return to its network as part of 12 routes and 49 weekly flights covering the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
For UAE residents, the comeback means more choices for lower-cost trips to several European cities ahead of the winter travel season.
First UAE Flights Return on October 25
Flights from the UAE are scheduled to restart from October 25, 2026.
The first restored connections include flights linking Dubai and Abu Dhabi with Budapest in Hungary, Katowice in Poland and Bucharest in Romania.
More routes are expected to begin from October 27, including connections involving Sofia in Bulgaria, Larnaca in Cyprus and Cluj in Romania.
The routes will be operated by Wizz Air’s European airlines rather than through a newly reopened Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operation.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi Get More Europe Connections
According to the airline’s announcement, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Amman will collectively receive 49 weekly flights across 12 routes.
Dubai will regain direct low-cost links with cities such as Budapest and Bucharest, while Abu Dhabi will receive connections to several destinations in Central and Eastern Europe.
Tickets for some of the resumed UAE routes are already appearing on Wizz Air’s booking platform.
Published starting fares have been shown from around AED 114 one way on some routes, although actual ticket prices depend on the destination, travel date and optional services selected.
Wizz Air Left Abu Dhabi in 2025
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi stopped locally based operations on September 1, 2025, ending a five-year presence in the capital.
At the time, Wizz Air said its decision followed a review of operational challenges and geopolitical developments in the Middle East. The airline also cited difficulties linked to aircraft engine reliability in the region’s hot climate.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi had originally launched in 2020 as a joint venture involving Wizz Air Holdings and Abu Dhabi’s ADQ.
What UAE Residents Should Know
The return gives residents another budget option for travelling between the UAE and Europe, especially for destinations in Central and Eastern Europe.
Travel experts have also suggested that Wizz Air’s return could create more competition on routes where it directly competes with other airlines, although this does not mean fares across the whole UAE-Europe market will automatically become cheaper.
Passengers planning to travel from late October should check Wizz Air’s official booking channels for the exact route, schedule, baggage allowance and final fare before booking.
