Wizz Air eyes another breathtaking Middle Eastern destination after Abu Dhabi exit

Following its recent withdrawal from Abu Dhabi, Wizz Air is now turning its attention to a new market in the Middle East. The aviation authority and airport operator of the Sultanate of Oman are currently in talks with the European low-cost carrier to launch direct flights from several European cities—including Budapest—to Muscat.

Could a Budapest–Muscat route be in the works?

According to a report by Muscat Daily, Ahmed bin Saeed al Amri, CEO of Oman Airports, confirmed that serious discussions are underway with Wizz Air to introduce new routes. The proposed flights would connect Budapest and other European cities to the Gulf nation. These scheduled services aim to boost tourism, increase airport revenue in Oman, and improve operational efficiency.

Muscat Oman Wizz Air — Muscat. Photo: depositphotos.com

LOT Polish Airlines is also part of the negotiations, with the Polish carrier exploring a direct route between Warsaw and Muscat. Regulatory approvals for this connection are reportedly in progress. Meanwhile, Omani authorities are also engaged in talks with other Asian countries—including China and Vietnam—regarding the establishment of new air links.

Exit from Abu Dhabi

Wizz Air recently announced it will cease operations of its Abu Dhabi-based subsidiary, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, effective 1 September 2025. Several factors contributed to the decision: a complex regulatory environment, ongoing engine issues, airspace closures caused by military conflicts, disappointing profits, and other operational challenges.

The airline has stated that it plans to reallocate the freed-up capacity to new European and Middle Eastern routes that promise greater profitability.

Oman now represents a strategic opportunity for Wizz Air. Politically stable and increasingly attractive to tourists, the country is open to collaboration with foreign airlines. Wizz Air, which has Hungarian roots, is already active in the region with flights to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, making an expansion into Oman a logical step in its broader Middle Eastern growth strategy.

Continuous developments at Omani Airports

Oman continues to focus on expanding its international air connectivity. The country’s airport operating authority has recently signed several international cooperation agreements, including one with Singapore’s Changi Airports International to help boost both commercial and aviation revenues. Additionally, a Malaysian company has partnered with Oman to explore development opportunities around Muscat International Airport.

Passenger traffic at Muscat’s international airport now exceeds pre-pandemic levels, although transit volumes have declined due to a reduction in Oman Air’s services. Meanwhile, Salalah Airport has seen a notable increase in passenger numbers during this year’s khareef (monsoon) season, largely driven by domestic and regional flights.

Announcement imminent?

Although no official announcement has been made, comments from stakeholders suggest that an agreement between Wizz Air and Oman Airports could be finalised soon. If confirmed, Budapest would gain a new direct link to the Middle East, further enhancing Hungary’s international air connectivity and increasing regional accessibility for tourism.

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