Wizz Air suspends flight plans to Russia despite widespread criticism

[ad_1]

Home Airlines news Wizz Air suspends flight plans to Russia despite widespread criticism

The ultra-low-cost carrier had planned to return to Moscow from October.

Photo: Wizz Air.

Amid widespread criticism on social media, Wizz Air backtracked on plans to resume services to Moscow in October. Flights are now suspended until further notice.

The ultra-low-cost carrier began flying to Moscow in December 2021, but stopped soon after, in February 2022, when the ongoing conflict in Ukraine began. However, earlier this month, Wizz Air announced the resumption of flights from October 3, citing strong customer demand as the reason for the controversial move.

The flights were to be operated from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Moscow Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) by Airbus A321neos belonging to Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a subsidiary of Wizz Air. The carrier is 51% owned by Abu Dhabi holding company ADQ. The Hungarian company Wizz Air holds the remaining 49%.

SIMPLEFLYING VIDEO OF THE DAY

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operates a fleet of four Airbus A321neos. Photo: Wizz Air

At the time of the relaunch announcement, a Wizz Air spokesperson said:

“Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is a flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates that operates in accordance with the national regulations and policies of the United Arab Emirates. The airline is resuming operations to Moscow to meet travel demand from passengers wishing to fly to and from Russia from the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The planned recovery had drawn backlash on social media, with some calling for a boycott of the airline.

Wizz Air initially responded to criticism saying the flights would be operated by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, registered in the United Arab Emirates, but the airline has now taken the decision to suspend the resumption of service until further notice. No reference to the controversy was made by Wizz Air when announcing the suspension on Friday.

Simple Flying has contacted Wizz Air for further comment.

(An A321neo.) Which airlines fly between the United Arab Emirates and Russia?

With the exception of Air Serbia’s daily flight from Belgrade to Moscow, no European carrier currently serves Russia. Under Western sanctions imposed due to the conflict, Russian airlines are banned from flying in European Union airspace.

Sanctions have hit the Russian aircraft industry hard, and with spare parts becoming harder to find, reports recently emerged that national carrier Aeroflot has started dismantling one of its new Airbus A350s for parts. spare.

The UAE, however, maintained a neutral stance on the conflict and did not impose any sanctions on Russia. Thus, three other carriers based in the United Arab Emirates continue to operate flights to the country.

Etihad Airways also flies to Moscow from Abu Dhabi, using its Boeing 787-10. Photo: Anna Zvereva via Flickr

Emirates and flydubai currently operate services with the Airbus A380 and Boeing 737 respectively from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME), while Etihad Airways flies from Dubai International Airport (DXB). ‘Abu Dhabi (AUH) at Sheremetyevo Moscow International Airport (SVO) with the Boeing 787-10.

Turkish Airlines, El Al and Air China are among other international carriers that have maintained services to Russia.

What do you think of Wizz Air’s suspension of its plan to return to Russia? Share your thoughts by commenting below.

[ad_2]