Budget travellers in the UAE are moving quickly. With Wizz Air Abu Dhabi preparing to cease operations on 1 September 2025, flights on the carrier’s most affordable routes are being snapped up fast. Starting from just AED204, these one-way fares represent what could be a final chance for many to enjoy a low-cost escape before the service comes to a close.
The airline’s exit has led to a significant increase in bookings, particularly among those in Abu Dhabi who relied on it for quick and affordable trips to countries like Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
Your next adventure just got better!? Travel between July 14th and Sep 30th, and enjoy 15% OFF on selected flights. Time to plan that getaway!??https://t.co/RDiSCj4sYj pic.twitter.com/ehYZTnKv21
— Wizz Air (@wizzair) July 9, 2025
The End of Spontaneous, Budget-Friendly Travel?
For years, Wizz Air helped reshape how UAE travellers explored nearby regions. It wasn’t about luxury—it was about ease and affordability. Weekend trips to the Caucasus, impulsive holidays to Central Asia—Wizz Air made these accessible without a second thought.
Its decision to exit Abu Dhabi leaves a noticeable gap in the market. For many, it’s not just the loss of a route—it’s the loss of flexibility and spontaneity that once defined their travel habits.
Travel platforms are already showing limited seat availability across most of Wizz Air’s outgoing August routes, with prices gradually climbing as demand soars.
Low-Cost Routes Residents Are Still Booking
Here’s a look at some of the most sought-after destinations still available from Abu Dhabi at the time of writing:
- Kutaisi, Georgia – AED204
- Yerevan, Armenia – AED264
- Baku, Azerbaijan – AED254
- Tashkent, Uzbekistan – AED314
- Almaty, Kazakhstan – AED404
These cities have long appealed to those seeking affordable adventure without having to cross continents. With Wizz Air pulling out, many are prioritising these routes while prices are still within reach.
Travellers Are Booking Now, Not Later
With Wizz Air’s exit imminent, two main drivers are fuelling the booking rush across the UAE:
1. Fare Pressure
Prices are climbing steadily. Travellers who previously waited for last-minute deals now find themselves competing with others chasing the same low-cost seats. Availability on August flights is already limited, especially to destinations like Yerevan and Baku.
2. Fewer Budget Options
Abu Dhabi had fewer low-cost airlines to begin with compared to Dubai. With Wizz Air pulling out, the capital’s residents could face higher average fares and reduced route options. That’s prompting people to grab what’s left before fares climb even further.
Wizz Air’s Exit Means For Travellers in the UAE
This departure creates more than just a scheduling shift—it’s a significant change in the region’s budget travel ecosystem. Wizz Air offered routes that weren’t commonly serviced by other low-cost carriers, particularly into Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
For residents who frequently took advantage of these routes, this may mean:
- Weekend breaks might now cost significantly more
- Fewer direct options to cities like Kutaisi or Tashkent
- Increased dependency on Dubai-based airlines for affordable options
Whether another airline will step in to fill the gap remains unclear. Until then, the remaining Wizz Air flights are the last call for many on a tight budget.
Tips For Securing a Final Seat on Wizz Air
If you’re still looking to book before operations end, here’s how to increase your chances:
- Be flexible with travel dates: Mid-week fares are often cheaper
- Use incognito mode when searching to avoid fare increases due to repeat searches
- Travel light to avoid extra baggage costs
- Book directly through the airline’s app or site to minimise booking fees
- Set alerts to monitor real-time price changes
Planning may no longer be an option, but acting fast could still save your trip—and your budget.
Will Any Airline Fill The Gap?
There’s been no official confirmation of another low-cost airline taking over Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s exact routes. While flydubai and Air Arabia operate several affordable options from Dubai and Sharjah, they don’t currently offer the same destination mix at Wizz Air’s pricing levels from Abu Dhabi.
That means for the time being, Abu Dhabi travellers may need to look at Dubai’s airports for similar deals—or brace for higher prices and longer travel times.
Last Chance To Travel Wizz-Style
Wizz Air wasn’t just about ticket prices—it allowed residents to experience something rare in today’s travel landscape: freedom to move without overspending. As the airline prepares to exit the UAE market, its absence will be felt by those who used it to explore regions off the beaten path.
The countdown has begun. And for those still planning one last trip—whether it’s hiking in Georgia or exploring street life in Armenia—the time to act is now.
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