Budapest, July 28 - Wizz Air, the Hungarian ultra-low-cost carrier, has announced a significant reduction in its Airbus A321XLR order, scaling back from an initial commitment of 47 aircraft to just 10–15, following its decision to exit operations in Abu Dhabi by September 1, 2025. This strategic retreat marks a pivotal shift for the airline, which had previously viewed the A321XLR as a cornerstone of its ambitious expansion into long-haul markets, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. The decision to wind down Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a joint venture with the state-owned Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), reflects a combination of operational challenges, geopolitical instability, and supply chain constraints that have rendered the venture financially unsustainable.
.gif)
The A321XLR, designed for extended-range operations with a capability of up to 4,700 nautical miles, was intended to enable Wizz Air to connect Europe with distant destinations such as India and the Gulf region. The airline had already taken delivery of its first three A321XLRs, with the first Pratt & Whitney-powered model delivered in May 2025, marking Wizz Air as the first European low-cost carrier to operate this aircraft type. These aircraft were initially slated for routes like London Gatwick to Jeddah and Milan Malpensa to Abu Dhabi, leveraging the XLR’s fuel efficiency and long-range capabilities to serve markets previously reliant on less economical widebody jets. However, the operational environment in Abu Dhabi proved challenging. Extreme heat and dusty conditions accelerated engine degradation, particularly for the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, increasing maintenance costs and downtime. This undermined Wizz Air’s ultra-low-cost model, which relies on high aircraft utilization and minimal operational expenses.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East further complicated operations, with frequent airspace closures disrupting schedules and increasing travel times, which eroded consumer confidence and demand. Additionally, Wizz Air faced limited market access to key destinations like India and Pakistan, contrary to initial expectations when the Abu Dhabi base was established in 2020. CEO József Váradi emphasized that the airline is not canceling its Airbus orders outright but is instead converting most of the A321XLR commitments to A321neo aircraft, which are better suited for the shorter- and medium-haul routes in Wizz Air’s core European markets. This recalibration aligns with a broader fleet modernization strategy, as the airline phases out older A320ceo-family planes in favor of more fuel-efficient neo variants. As of June 2025, Wizz Air’s fleet comprised 236 aircraft, including 157 A321neos and the three A321XLRs, with a total order backlog of 295 jets.
The Abu Dhabi fleet, consisting of four A321neos and eight A321-200s, will be repositioned to European routes or retained as spares for peak travel periods. This shift is expected to streamline operations, reduce complexities in crew scheduling, and enhance profitability by focusing on Central and Eastern European markets, which account for roughly two-thirds of Wizz Air’s business. The airline’s first-quarter operating profit in 2025 fell 38% to €27.5 million, partly due to engine-related groundings and higher costs, underscoring the need for this strategic pivot. By scaling back its A321XLR order, Wizz Air aims to align its fleet with a more sustainable growth trajectory, prioritizing efficiency over ambitious long-haul expansion in a volatile region.