DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Low-cost carrier Wizz Air said on Monday that it plans to suspend all locally based flight operations out of Abu Dhabi as geopolitics and operational developments test its margins.
Zayed International Airport, in the Emirati capital, has long been overshadowed by its successful Dubai neighbor, the world's busiest for international travel.
Wizz Air's decision to end operations out of its hub in Abu Dhabi, effective Sept. 1, comes as it aims to focus on its core markets in Central and Eastern Europe, the Hungarian company said in a post on X. The announcement follows last month’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which shook the region and sent airlines scrambling amid airspace closures.
In a statement, Wizz Air CEO József Váradi said the company has had “a tremendous journey in the Middle East.” But, he added, “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,” Váradi said.
Wizz Air’s Abu Dhabi subsidiary, created in partnership with the government-owned Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Co., was its first operation established outside of Europe.
Abu Dhabi’s airport authority didn’t respond to a request for comment. Zayed Airport has been far outshone by Dubai International Airport. Last year, 92.3 million passengers traveled through Dubai, compared to 28.8 million for Zayed.
Wizz Air’s profits already had been falling before it decided to exit its Abu Dhabi operations and before an unprecedented Iranian strike on a U.S. military base in neighboring Qatar that shocked travelers in the region. The Arab Gulf states have long been viewed as a safe haven from the violence and instability in the broader Middle East.
Last fiscal year, Wizz Air reported a 41.5% year-on-year nosedive in net profits – from 365.9 million euros ($427.8 million) to 213.9 million euros ($250 million) – though revenue increased by 3.8% to 5.3 billion euros ($6.2 billion).
Wizz Air said the move would free up resources that would be redeployed to “regions with greater long-term potential for sustainable growth and profitability.” The airline's departure comes as the federation of seven sheikhdoms looks to encourage tourism and for other ways to diversify its economy beyond reliance on hydrocarbons.
FILE - A Wizz Air Airbus A320 approaches for landing at sunset in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca, File)
All-Pros Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua helped the Los Angeles Rams advance to the NFC divisional round.
Stafford threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson in the final minute and the Rams rallied to beat the Carolina Panthers 34-31, kicking off the NFL playoffs on Saturday with a game that was much closer than expected.
The Rams (13-5) were double-digit favorites on BetMGM Sportsbook against the Panthers (8-10). They jumped to a 14-0 lead but couldn’t take advantage of first-half turnovers and allowed Carolina to get within 17-14 at halftime.
Stafford, who earned All-Pro honors for the first time in his 17-year career on Saturday, threw for 304 yards, three TDs and had one pick. Nacua, who was an unanimous All-Pro selection, had 10 catches for 111 yards and one TD and also had a 5-yard TD run.
The Rams are back in the divisional round for the second straight season. Last year, they were 13 yards away from eliminating Philadelphia before a sack and an incomplete pass ended their season with a 28-22 loss.
No. 5 seed Los Angeles will have to wait for the results of the other wild-card games to know its opponent next week.
Bryce Young’s 7-yard TD pass to Jalen Coker put the Panthers ahead 31-27 with 2:43 remaining but Stafford drove the Rams 71 yards in two minutes. Parkinson made an outstanding, tightrope catch for the winning score and the defense held.
Behind coach Dave Canales and improved QB Bryce Young, the Panthers have reason to be optimistic about the future after winning a weak NFC South and nearly pulling off a major upset.
The Chicago Bears (11-6) host the Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) in another NFC wild-card matchup to complete a Saturday doubleheader. The Bears are the NFC's No. 2 seed while the Packers grabbed the seventh spot.
No. 5 Buffalo Bills (12-5) at No. 4 Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4).
No. 6 San Francisco 49ers (12-5) at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles (11-6).
No. 7 Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) at No. 2 New England Patriots (14-3).
No. 5 Houston Texans (12-5) at No. 4 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7).
The Denver Broncos (14-3) are the AFC’s No. 1 seed and the Seattle Seahawks (14-3) got the top seed in the NFC. Each team earned a bye and will host the lowest remaining seed next weekend.
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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) reacts after a first down during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Carolina Panthers, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson, center left, celebrates his touchdown catch with wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Carolina Panthers, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Carolina Panthers, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
