BUDAPEST– Wizz Air (W6) will significantly reduce its Airbus A321XLR order from 47 to just 10–15 aircraft, aligning with a broader strategic exit from its Middle East operations.
The airline is shutting down its Abu Dhabi division by 1 September, citing operational and market access issues. Aircraft from Abu Dhabi (AUH) will be redirected to more profitable routes across Europe.
Photo: Wizz AirWizz Air Cuts A321XLR
Wizz Air’s decision to scale back its Airbus A321XLR commitment is directly linked to the discontinuation of its Abu Dhabi-based operations.
The low-cost carrier confirmed that wind-up procedures for Wizz Air Abu Dhabi are underway, marking a major retreat from its once-ambitious Middle East expansion.
The move reflects both geopolitical limitations and operational inefficiencies, particularly around engine degradation in the region’s harsh environment.
Chief Executive Jozsef Varadi stated that the Abu Dhabi unit’s performance was underwhelming and financially unsustainable.
Engines on the A321neo fleet operating in the region reportedly experienced accelerated wear, compounded by limited maintenance shop capacity and an inability to command premium fares.
As a result, eight older A321s will be parked and used during seasonal peaks, while four UAE-registered aircraft will be reallocated once re-registered.
Photo: Wizz AirFleet Optimization and Delivery Plan Revisions
The fleet rationalization coincides with Wizz Air’s broader shift toward strengthening its core European markets.
The airline had originally placed a large order for 47 A321XLR aircraft, primarily to support long-range Middle East operations. With the Abu Dhabi base now discontinued, only 10–15 XLRs will be retained to match future European network demand.
The airline had 236 aircraft at the end of June 2025, including 157 A321neos and the first A321XLR. Going forward, Wizz Air plans to slow its fleet growth rate and adjust its aircraft delivery schedule accordingly. Older A320-family aircraft will also be retired as part of the network alignment.
Varadi emphasized that the carrier is “rationalising” fleet expansion to better reflect demand, noting that the adjusted growth trajectory will support profitability and efficiency across key Central and Eastern European markets.
Photo: By Marvin Mutz – HA-LVA Airbus A321neo Wizz Air FRA 2019-08-09 (11a), CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81428709Addressing Engine Grounding and Spare Parts Crisis
A major factor impacting Wizz Air’s operations has been persistent engine grounding due to Pratt & Whitney GTF engine issues.
As of late June, 41 aircraft remained grounded, although the airline forecasts an average of 35 grounded aircraft for the full year. Wizz Air has increased its inventory of spare engines more than twofold to handle shorter-than-expected engine lifespans.
To expedite the return of grounded jets, the airline has secured additional GTF engines, enabling faster maintenance and improved fleet availability. These steps are vital to restoring capacity and maintaining schedule reliability across European routes.
Photo: Wizz AirWizz Air’s Focus Returns to Europe
As Wizz Air steps away from the Middle East, its future growth will prioritize markets that are both operationally stable and already under its market influence.
The carrier views Central and Eastern Europe as key to its network strategy due to favorable environmental conditions and established customer bases.
The first-quarter results reflect this transitional period, with operating profit falling 38% to €27.5 million despite a 13% rise in revenue to €1.43 billion. Increased engine-related costs, aeronautical charges, and depreciation contributed to the dip in profitability.
Varadi concluded that the streamlined fleet strategy and regional focus will ultimately drive sustainable performance and mitigate risk in volatile regions.
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Wizz Air to Resume Flights from this European Base with 11 New Routes
The post Wizz Air Cuts New A321XLR Fleet After Abu Dhabi Exit appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
