In its short history, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has wasted no time in developing a diverse route network from its UAE base. The latest addition to its increasing portfolio will see it serve Sri Lanka for the first time. The low-cost carrier plans to fly to Mattala, in the south of the island nation, with services operating three times a week.

Another new destination

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has revealed the latest addition to its ever-growing route network, with a statement released today confirming that Sri Lanka is next on its list. Beginning on June 1st this year, the UAE-based low-cost carrier will fly from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI).

Mattala is the third international airport to have been built in Sri Lanka, and the first on a greenfield site. It has been operational for less than a decade, having opened in March 2013. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's presence marks a change from its typical operations, as international flights there typically operate on a seasonal charter basis. Michael Berlouis, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's Managing Director, stated:

"Sri Lanka is an exciting destination that has everything; beautiful beaches, a diverse cultural heritage, historical sites dating back 1000s of years and even a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is truly a must-see travel destination. We are proud to be providing our customers ever more convenient, affordable opportunities for relaxation and adventure and look forward to seeing you on board our aircraft to the island paradise soon."

Costs and times

With fights on this route commencing on June 1st, it is just under three months until Mattala will welcome its first scheduled Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flight. These thrice-weekly services will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, departing Abu Dhabi at 13:25. After five hours and 10 minutes, arrival at Mattala is scheduled to take place at 20:05 local time. By 20:40, the return leg is back in the sky.

The trip back to Abu Dhabi has a slightly longer block time, clocking in at five hours and 45 minutes. This will result in an early-hours arrival at 00:55 local time the following morning. As far as ticket prices are concerned, Wizz Air has confirmed that these will start at 179 UAE Dirham ($49). Sri Lanka's State Minister of Aviation and Export Zones Development, D.V. Chanaka, stated that:

"With Wizz Air's low airfares, we anticipate the Sri Lankan employee market in the UAE to vastly benefit from travel between the two regions, which is expected to be extremely economical. Further, the tourism sector in Sri Lanka will vastly grow with short and long-stay tourists arriving [at] the island, while increasing connectivity between cities and other airlines around Wizz Air schedules."

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Can they make it work?

When it commences its flights to Mattala, Wizz Air Ab Dhabi will be the only Middle Eastern carrier using the facility. It has previously seen flights to the Gulf Region, such as a five-year spell when flydubai served the airport. Jeddah and Riyadh, both in Saudi Arabia, also used to have connections to Mattala.

The fact that the likes of flydubai have since left Mattala leaves a question mark over Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's new route. It will likely be hoping to hit the jackpot with a healthy combination of both tourism and VFR traffic. Watch this space...

What do you make of this new route? Have you ever used Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!