Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is launching a new route to Beirut, starting June 4, leveraging Lebanon’s tourism recovery post-conflict. Flights will operate three times weekly, targeting VFR traffic and promoting affordability. The airline aims to serve the large Lebanese diaspora in the UAE and enhance overall travel between the regions. Additionally, a new route to Gabala, Azerbaijan, will commence on June 19.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has announced an expansion of its network with a new route to Beirut, which will facilitate three flights per week beginning June 4. This decision follows a ceasefire that has significantly enhanced Lebanon’s tourism prospects. Johan Eidhagen, managing director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, stated that the new service signifies Lebanon’s normalization efforts, with an anticipated increase in travel driven by both the visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segment and general tourism growth.
Tourism represents a crucial aspect of Lebanon’s economy, which has faced severe challenges, including a 7.1 percent GDP contraction attributed to the conflict. A recent World Bank report indicates that Lebanon’s economic performance has deteriorated by almost 40 percent since 2019, with reconstruction costs projected at $11 billion. Public funding needs are estimated at $3 to $5 billion, factoring in essential infrastructure repairs.
Eidhagen emphasized that the timing for launching flights from Abu Dhabi aligns with regional stabilization following the Israel-Gaza ceasefire and the shifts in Syria’s political landscape. He remarked that the situation demonstrates the airline’s confidence in a swift market recovery, stating that their entry signifies a commitment to fostering regional connectivity. Wizz Air will deploy high-density Airbus A321 aircraft for these flights, designed to accommodate 230 passengers, maximizing capacity utilization to meet growing travel demands.
Starting at Dh359 for one-way tickets, fares are approximately 40 percent lower than current offerings, aimed at encouraging travelers to fly more frequently. The airline intends to appeal to the extensive Lebanese expatriate community in the UAE, alongside attracting domestic tourists looking for economical travel options. Eidhagen also noted that this is a long-term investment in the route, as they anticipate high load factors at launch due to the limited travel frequency currently available.
In addition to Beirut, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi announced a new route to Gabala, Azerbaijan, set to commence on June 19, further diversifying its offerings. Eidhagen characterized Gabala as an attractive destination for those seeking a cooler climate and remarked on the company’s strategic focus on expanding routes to meet market needs.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operates under a joint venture between Hungary’s Wizz Air and ADQ, a state holding company in Abu Dhabi, boasting an air operator certificate in the UAE. Since launching operations in 2021, the airline has successfully established a network that includes 34 destinations served by a fleet of 12 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s launch of flights to Beirut reflects confidence in Lebanon’s tourism recovery post-conflict. The service is intended to stimulate travel demand and assist in economic revitalization, with competitive pricing to attract passengers. The new route is part of a broader strategy to enhance regional travel options and cater to both the Lebanese diaspora and tourists. With the introduction of this service, Wizz Air is poised to significantly impact the connectivity between the UAE and Lebanon, while also launching a new route to Gabala, Azerbaijan, showcasing its commitment to expanding its network.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
