Travel time on Wizz Air flights increases

The Hungarian low-cost airline, Wizz Air, has decided to alter the route of some popular flights to the Middle East to avoid Iraqi airspace. This adjustment will lengthen the journey, necessitating an intermediate stop for refuelling and crew changes.

Refuelling and new crew for Wizz Air planes

According to Forbes, Wizz Air will continue its flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, due to the current safety situation in the Middle East, the airline will now fly on a modified route. The distinctive violet-purple aircraft will now fly over Saudi Arabia and Egypt, bypassing Iraqi airspace, as detailed in a letter sent to Forbes by the airline.

With the new flight plan, aircraft returning to Budapest will make a technical stop in Larnaca, Cyprus. Wizz Air established a base on the island in 2020. During this stop, planes will be refuelled, and some members of the original crew will be replaced.

Photo: FB/Wizz Air

Wizz Air modifies routes due to Middle Eastern tensions

The airline has assured that the new technical stop will not significantly impact travel time, though passengers should expect some delays. Those purchasing tickets via the Wizz Air website or app will receive automatic notifications regarding the extended journey time.

The change is in response to recent escalations in the Middle East. Lebanese Hezbollah’s recent attack on Israel was a retaliation for the assassination of Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Additionally, Iran has threatened Israel following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on 31 July. As the situation in the region continues to escalate, the Hungarian low-cost airline’s precautionary measures are expected to be well-received by passengers.

The Hungarian government supports Israel. Photo: Facebook/Szijjártó Péter

New flights and new fines

In July, Wizz Air announced several new routes from Budapest, including destinations such as Girona (Spain), Genoa (Italy), Marrakech (Morocco), Memmingen (Germany), and Salerno (Southern Italy). Further details can be found in our previous articles HERE and HERE.

However, the airline has faced some setbacks. In early August, the company was fined €772,000 by the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) for unfair commercial practices. Additionally, GVH has launched another investigation into the airline’s booking system and pricing practices for alleged unfair practices.

Read also:

• Wizz Air launches “All You Can Fly” pass: Unlimited flights with some fine print – read more HERE
• The Hungarian Olympic team arrives home with a special golden Wizz Air plane

Featured image: depositphotos.com