Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's launch has been delayed until mid-October. The airline recently took delivery of its first aircraft at the end of August and had been eying operations from the start of October.

By now, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is becoming well known around the aviation industry, despite having yet to launch. However, around the world, the aviation industry remains stifled due to a lack of passenger demand, tied to everchanging travel restrictions. This has seen many services suspended or delayed. However, it seems as though the crisis is now having an impact on Wizz Air too.

Mid-October launch planned

It seems as though all has not entirely gone to plan with the launch of Wizz Air's new Abu Dhabi subsidiary. The airline had intended to operate its first flights from Abu Dhabi on October 1st. However, according to UAE publication The National, this has now been postponed by a little over two weeks to October 16th.

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On the topic, a Wizz Air spokesperson told Simple Flying,

"Due to prevailing COVID-19 related travel restrictions Wizz Air Abu Dhabi informs its passengers that it will postpone the launch of its operations by two weeks to 16 October 2020...Although it is beyond the airline’s control, Wizz Air sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused."

Two aircraft deliveries?

Just last week, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi was celebrating the delivery of its very first aircraft. The plane, an Airbus A321neo, was recorded by Airbus as delivered on August 31st. According to data from FlightRadar24.com, it arrived in Abu Dhabi at 17:47 on September 2nd. This aircraft is registered as A6-WZB.

However, according to data from Planespotters.net, it seems as though the second aircraft has also now been delivered. According to the site, this aircraft, A6-WZA, was ferried to Abu Dhabi yesterday (September 9th).

While the aircraft wears a fairly standard Wizz Air livery, there is a slight difference. The tail portion of the plane has the words Abu Dhabi printed on, singling it out as a part of the new subsidiary. According to the airline. All aircraft will wear this unique livery.

For the time being, Wizz has remained tight-lipped as to which routes future aircraft will serve. According to The National, the airline will initially serve six destinations from Abu Dhabi. These are:

• Alexandria - Egypt
• Athens - Greece
• Kutaisi - Georgia
• Larnaca - Cyprus
• Odesa - Ukraine
• Yerevan - Armenia

When it was first announced, the airline had said its new subsidiary would initially focus on connecting to Wizz's existing networks in Europe. However, as time passes, the carrier will go on to expand to the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.

What do you make of the delay to Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's Launch? Are you hoping to fly with the new UAE carrier? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!