Air Arabia Abu Dhabi expands fleet as Wizz Air confirms UAE exit
The airline to operate 14 aircraft as part of 2025 capacity expansion
DUBAI: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has announced a major expansion plan that will see its operational capacity grow by 40% in 2025.
The capital’s low-cost carrier has added two Airbus A320 aircraft to its fleet, increasing the total number to 12. Two more aircraft are set to join before the end of the year.
The fleet expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance network reach and operational efficiency, according to the airline. Group CEO Adel Al Ali stated that the growth reflects the rising demand for affordable air travel to and from Abu Dhabi and will further support the emirate’s economic and tourism goals.
Air Arabia's wider network reach
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has rapidly extended its route network in recent months, introducing flights to Yerevan, Almaty, and Sialkot. The airline now offers direct connectivity from Abu Dhabi to more than 30 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Indian Subcontinent.
Launched in 2020, the carrier has played a key role in improving the UAE capital’s air connectivity, focusing on budget-friendly and reliable travel options. The upcoming capacity boost is expected to enhance this offering significantly.
Etihad adds routes
The Air Arabia announcement comes shortly after Etihad Airways revealed its own expansion plans. The national carrier will launch flights to seven new cities – Almaty, Baku, Bucharest, Medina, Tbilisi, Tashkent, and Yerevan – starting in November 2025 and March 2026.
These new services bring Etihad’s total new destinations for 2025 to 29, including both seasonal and year-round routes. Earlier this year, Etihad inaugurated services to Prague, Warsaw, Sochi, and Atlanta, with 13 more routes scheduled before year-end. The airline also unveiled three new summer routes for 2026 – Krakow, Salalah, and Kazan.
Wizz Air exit
The recent announcements come on the heels of Wizz Air’s decision to withdraw from the UAE market. The Hungary-based low-cost airline will cease all Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operations from 1 September 2025.
The carrier cited persistent engine issues, regulatory challenges, and regional instability as key factors in its exit. These hurdles have impacted its ability to maintain cost-efficiency in the UAE market where it entered in 2020.