Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air recently announced its exit from Abu Dhabi, marking a major shift from its earlier ambitions to expand in the Middle East with long-haul routes connecting cities in the region to destinations like India and Central Asia. Now, it appears a strategic pivot is underway. But Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary predicts Wizz Air may cease to remain an independent airline within 3–5 years.

Wizz Air grapples with setbacks, makes tough calls

There’s no denying the fierce competition in the budget and ultra-low-cost airline sector, where companies must operate with razor-sharp efficiency to survive. In this high-stakes environment, Wizz Air‘s strategies haven’t all paid off. The airline has long struggled with technical issues related to Pratt & Whitney engines, forcing it to ground 41 aircraft as recently as late June. The problem is expected to persist until March 2027.

In addition, the company will shut down its United Arab Emirates-registered subsidiary starting in September, effectively withdrawing from the local market. The decision was attributed to ongoing conflict situations and administrative hurdles.

• Wizz Air eyes another breathtaking Middle Eastern destination after Abu Dhabi exit

Wizz Air has said it plans to refocus on its well-established routes in Central and Eastern Europe and parts of Western Europe. In line with this, the airline recently announced it would cancel around 70% of its long-range aircraft orders, downsizing from 47 Airbus A321XLR planes to just 10–15, with deliveries delayed to align with regional economic trends. The airline is also pivoting to modernise its fleet with more efficient and environmentally friendly A321neo aircraft, reports AIRportal.hu.