Wizz Air cuts exotic routes as African airline launches direct flights from Budapest to the “White City”
Wizz Air’s management has recently opted for a strategic shift, scaling back services to more exotic destinations in the Middle East and Central Asia in favour of a stronger focus on Eastern Europe. In light of this, the latest round of flight cancellations is not unexpected. However, other carriers appear to see potential in Budapest—and Hungarian passengers—for more far-flung destinations.
Wizz Air to cancel several route
Wizz Air is overhauling its network in line with its updated strategy. We previously reported that the airline is opening a new base not far from Budapest, announcing more than a dozen new routes and increasing airport traffic by 50%. At the same time, however, the airline is closing routes and streamlining operations as it partially withdraws from the Middle East and Africa.
Although the Hungarian low-cost carrier has not officially announced the route closures, according to a Budflyer post, the following Wizz Air flights will be discontinued next spring:
- Abu Dhabi: final departure on 28 March 2026
- Cairo: final flight on 25 March
- Gran Canaria: last flight with the Hungarian carrier on 28 March
Commenters are particularly disappointed by the loss of the Cairo route and hope that direct flights to the Egyptian capital may return in the next winter schedule.
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New direct service from Budapest to the ‘White City’
According to Utazómajom, Algeria’s national airline, Air Algérie, will launch direct flights between Budapest and Algiers—the North African capital dubbed the “White City”—starting on 29 October 2025. The route will be operated by the national carrier, although its future is currently only confirmed through to spring 2026. At present, the last bookable date is 25 March, suggesting it may not continue into the summer season..
Thanks to the direct service, travel time between the two capitals will be cut to about three hours. According to the current schedule, flights will operate twice weekly as follows:
- Wednesdays: departure from Budapest (BUD) at 16:10, arrival in Algiers (ALG) at 19:10.
- Saturdays: departure from Algiers (ALG) at 10:30, arrival in Budapest (BUD) at 13:15.
Utazómajom notes that the new service will appeal to both tourists and business travellers and forms part of Air Algérie’s broader European expansion. Tickets are already available on the airline’s website.
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Where cultures converge
Set against a stunning natural backdrop on the slopes of the Sahel Hills, Algiers offers breathtaking views of the sea. Its Mediterranean climate brings two main seasons—one warm and dry, the other cooler and wetter—making it a year-round destination, though swimming in the sea is less ideal during winter.
The Algerian capital is a captivating cultural crossroads, with influences evident in everything from its food to its architecture. A must-see is the Casbah, the old city built under Ottoman rule and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its narrow streets, historic buildings and unique atmosphere, it offers a fascinating insight into the city’s rich past.
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Why visit Algiers?
The Jardin d’Essai du Hamma is Algiers’ popular botanical garden, home to Mediterranean, subtropical and native flora—a perfect place for a stroll and some relaxation. The Notre Dame d’Afrique basilica, a 19th-century Catholic landmark and the seat of the local bishopric, sits atop a hill and offers spectacular views of both the city and the sea. Meanwhile, the Grande Poste d’Alger, the main post office, stands as an iconic example of Art Deco and Neo-Moorish architecture in the city centre.
Algeria gained independence in 1962 after a brutal war lasting nearly eight years. The Independence Museumcommemorates this struggle. Also worth visiting is the Bab el Oued Mosque, one of Algeria’s largest and most beautiful mosques, offering magnificent views from its terrace. Don’t miss the Palais des Rais, a seaside palace complex, or La Rue Didouche Mourad, Algiers’ main shopping street lined with cafés, shops and local delicacies.
Why is Algiers called the White City?
The answer lies in the bright white colour of most of its buildings—a common feature of Mediterranean architecture that beautifully reflects sunlight. The city centre, particularly its elegant colonial-era villas and sea views, contributes to a strikingly luminous urban landscape.
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I almost hate to point this out, since the English Grammer principle is taught in high schools in Hungary. The headline “WizzAir cancels several route” should be “several routes”. THe grammar principle is simple – if it is a countable noun, the plural takes the “s”. It doesn’t matter if there is a specific number, i.e. fiver routes, or an indefinte number, i.e “few, several, any” etc.