Heard of Wizz Air? No it's not for Nigeria's Wizkid, it's Abu Dhabi's low-cost carrier

Summer is in full swing and while we love doing nothing more than exploring our capital, no doubt you saw the eye-catching news that Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has added even more flights to its ever-growing list of destinations from the UAE.

The locally backed airline announced new flights to Kiev in Ukraine, Bari in Italy and Salalah on July 3 and Muscat on July 1 in Oman at the bargain price of just Dhs99 one way.

Intrigued?

Of course you are. Here are your questions answered.

What is it?

Clue is in the name. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is an airline which specialises in lost cost flights from the UAE to markets of across the Middle East, Africa and the Indian subcontinent.

When did it launch?

Officially Wizz Air Abu Dhabi came in to being on December 12 2019. However it wasn’t until January 15 of this year that it took to the skies with its first destination being the Greek capital, Athens. The flight was celebrated with a mega saving offer of Dhs1 ticket for the first 2,021 customers.

It was then announced on February 4 that it would travel to Greece’s second city Thessaloniki before taking off to Tel Aviv at the end of the month.

Why is it such a big deal?

Two words. Low prices. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is enabling many citizens and residents to explore new regions and countries without breaking the bank. With prices as low Dhs99, you can travel to a new destination for the cost of a night out and a taxi home.

What are the fares?

This of course is dependent on destination and time of year of travel, but those looking to make a break for it this summer can get fares as low Dhs99 one way to Kiev, Bari, Salalah and Muscat should they choose to book a ticket with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.

Where does it from in the UAE?

Currently Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flies from the capital’s International Airport as well as Dubai International Airport.

Where does Wizz Air Abu Dhabi fly to?

As of May 2021, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flies to 23 destinations excluding the four aforementioned cities of Kiev, Bari, Salalah and Muscat. The destinations are:

Alexandria (Egypt)
Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Athens (Greece)
Belgrade (Serbia)
Bucharest (Romania)
Budapest (Hungry)
Catania (Italy)
Cluj (Romania)
Katowice (Poland)
Kutaisi (Georgia)
Larnaca (Cyprus)
Luxor (Egypt)
Nur-Sultan (Kazakhstan)
Odessa (Ukraine)
Sofia (Bulgaria)
Sohag (Egypt)
Tel Aviv (Israel)
Thessaloniki (Greece)
Yerevan (Armenia)

All flights are subject to time of year.

Are there any perks to flying Wizz Air Abu Dhabi?

While Wizz Air is all about low-cost flights as the main selling point, another advantage of the airline is that it processes refunds within seven days.

Premium discount holders also receive €10 (Dhs44.86) off fares of more than €19.99 (89.67) and €5 (Dhs22.43) on checked in bags of 20kg or 32kg. Standard membership for the year is €29.99 (Dhs134.53).

Can we sit together?

Yes, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi allows two adults to sit together and this can be purchased on the basic reservation fare. You won’t be able to select your specific seats when sitting together but the airline does guaranteed you’ll be beside each other.

Is there entertainment on flights?

There are no TV screens for watching movies, or playing games, onboard flights.

Are meals included in the price of a ticket?

Meals are not included in the price of the ticket but passengers can order food on board their flight with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. The Wizz Café serves up sandwiches, soups, tapas boxes as well as sweet nibbles.

Do Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flights serve alcohol?

Yes you can buy a variety of hops, grapes and mixed drinks on a Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flight. You can also purchase soft drinks, tea, coffee and water from The Wizz Café.

How much is cabin baggage?

Every passenger is entitled to bring a piece of luggage into the cabin. This has to be max 10kg and must fit under the seat in front of you – so effectively a handbag or back pack.

To bring a small suitcase of 55 x 40 x 23cm, passengers must purchase a Wizz Priority ticket and it must fit in the overhead compartment. Anything bigger is going into the hold at an extra cost to your wallet.

How much does it cost to have a checked bag?

The price of checked baggage is dependent on the time of year. A checked bag of max 10kg during low season can cost between Dhs25.30 and Dhs266.34. During high season, the price can be as high as Dhs324.35. For those coming in over weight a fee of Dhs51 will be charged.

Does Wizz Air Abu Dhabi have business class?

No. The airline has been vocal in the past about its opposition to business class offerings provided by other airlines due to the extra carbon emissions it produces and even broadcasted an ad calling out other airlines to ban the service.

What about cancellation fees?

After a delayed flight, these are arguably the two most dreaded words any traveller can see when dealing with an airline. At Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, if a traveller cancels more than 14 days before their due departure then only the cancellation fee of Dhs276 will be deducted. If you are within the fortnight, a higher fee of Dhs368 will be charged plus any services purchased will not be refunded.

How do I book a flight?

Log on to wizzair.com or access flights via the Wizz Air app to secure yourself the cheapest ticket out of the UAE.
For more information, visit wizzair.com.

Culled From Time Out Dubai.