Wizz Air Abu Dhabi anticipates robust flight bookings during the winter season from December to February, drawing in price-conscious and repeat customers in search of travel deals. Managing director Johan Eidhagen highlighted the airline’s efforts to maximize aircraft utilization and capacity to meet the growing demand on existing routes. He expressed confidence in strong bookings for December, January, and February, emphasizing the airline’s positive outlook for the winter period.
Eidhagen disclosed expectations for double-digit passenger growth in 2024 without specifying an annual target. In 2023, the airline saw a significant increase in passenger volumes, reaching three million compared to 1.2 million the previous year, reflecting the aviation industry’s rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic. Over 1.5 million of these passengers were point-to-point travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi, contributing to the city’s goal of attracting 24 million visitors in the current year.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi reported an 85% load factor this year, with plans to further increase it in 2024. Eidhagen noted that load factors exceeding 90% are common for low-cost carriers. The airline, a joint venture between Wizz Air Holding and Abu Dhabi’s ADQ, obtained its air operator certificate in the UAE and commenced operations in 2021 during the pandemic.
Having recently moved its operations to Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which has a capacity of 45 million passengers annually, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi aims to leverage the upgraded facilities for unrestricted growth. The airline’s fleet expanded to 12 Airbus A321 aircraft in 2023, with a 135% increase in seat capacity to 3.7 million seats. The addition of eight new destinations brought the total network to 40 routes across 27 countries, with plans for further expansion in the coming year.
Eidhagen emphasized the positive impact of the new terminal on operational efficiency, allowing the airline to enhance its services. Looking ahead, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi plans to initiate a new round of staff recruitment in April 2024 to support its continued growth, following the hiring of nearly 300 pilots and cabin crew in the current year.
