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Tengrinews.kz – Starting from September 1, 2025, Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air will cease flights between Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The decision is linked to the shutdown of its subsidiary Wizz Air Abu Dhabi — a joint project launched in 2020 with local partner Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, according to Flight Global.
What happened
Wizz Air’s press service told the media that the company has faced a range of operational and geopolitical challenges, which have negatively impacted the stability of its business in the Middle East region. Key reasons include:
Unreliable engine performance in hot climates: The Airbus A321 and A321neo aircraft used are equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW1100G and V2500 engines, which have shown reduced efficiency under high-temperature conditions;
Political instability and regional conflicts, which led to decreased passenger demand and temporary airspace closures;
Restricted access to key markets, hindering the company’s ability to scale and fulfill its original ambitions.
“While this was a difficult decision, it is the right one given the circumstances. The operating environment has changed significantly. Supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our original ambitions,”
– said Wizz Air CEO József Váradi.
How this affects Kazakhstan
Wizz Air currently operates flights from Kazakhstan on the following routes:
- Almaty – Abu Dhabi, Dubai;
- Astana – Abu Dhabi, Dubai;
- Turkestan – Abu Dhabi, Dubai.
All of these routes will be discontinued starting September 1. Tickets booked for later dates will likely be eligible for refunds or rebooking. The airline is expected to release more details — passengers are advised to monitor official updates on the Wizz Air website or mobile app.
What’s next
Wizz Air announced it is conducting a strategic review of its priorities, shifting focus back to its core market — Europe. According to the airline, the European market provides the most stable growth and profitability amid current global challenges.
Despite the closure, Wizz Air thanked passengers from the Middle East and Central Asia — including Kazakhstan — for their trust and support over the past few years.
Earlier, Lufthansa also announced the temporary suspension of its flights to Kazakhstan during the 2025/2026 winter schedule. This includes routes from Frankfurt to Almaty and Frankfurt to Astana, which will not operate from October 26, 2025, to March 29, 2026.
