Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is set to begin flights to Beirut on June 4, with three weekly services aimed at boosting tourism recovery in Lebanon post-conflict. The ultra-low-cost airline is capitalizing on lower fares to attract travelers, particularly from the Lebanese diaspora. Concurrently, new routes to Gabala, Azerbaijan, are being introduced. The airline operates under a joint venture between Hungary’s Wizz Air Holdings and ADQ.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is launching a new route to Beirut starting June 4, capitalizing on the anticipated recovery of Lebanon’s tourism sector following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The ultra-low-cost airline will operate three flights weekly, reflecting optimism about Lebanon’s normalization and growth in visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel, as noted by Johan Eidhagen, managing director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.
Tourism is crucial for Lebanon’s economy, which contracted by 7.1% last year, exacerbating a decline of nearly 40% since 2019 due to ongoing conflict. Reconstruction efforts are estimated to cost around $11 billion, highlighting the urgent need for recovery in sectors such as housing, commerce, and tourism, as detailed in a recent World Bank report.
Mr. Eidhagen emphasized the strategic timing for expanding routes, coinciding with increased regional normalization post-ceasefire and political shifts in Syria. Wizz Air aims to support market stabilization and growth with Airbus A321 aircraft that accommodate 230 passengers. The focus on affordability, with one-way tickets starting at Dh359, aims to attract the large Lebanese diaspora in the UAE and encourage frequent travel.
By enhancing price competitiveness by 40% compared to current fares, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi intends to create a new demographic of travelers seeking low-cost options. The airline anticipates an initial load factor between mid to high 80% for this route, which is expected to rise to above 90% over time. Additionally, the airline has temporarily suspended its Athens route for the summer season to prioritize new destinations like Beirut and Milan.
Furthermore, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has announced another new destination to Gabala, Azerbaijan, commencing on June 19. This addition complements its existing service to Baku, promoting a contrasting climate for tourists seeking cooler locations. As a joint venture of Hungary’s Wizz Air Holdings and Abu Dhabi’s ADQ, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operates a growing network of 34 destinations with a fleet of 12 aircraft.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is making strategic moves to enhance Lebanon’s tourism potential, launching new flights to Beirut in response to a recovering market. By focusing on affordability and targeting the Lebanese diaspora, the airline aims to boost travel frequency between the UAE and Lebanon. Additionally, the launch of routes to Gabala, Azerbaijan, further diversifies its offerings, highlighting Wizz Air’s commitment to expanding its global reach despite prior economic challenges in the region.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
