Wizz Air Abu Dhabi conducted its first flight from its base in the United Arab Emirates to Muscat, Oman this morning. The 43-minute flight kicked off a thrice-weekly operation between the two neighboring countries.
A hop across the border
On paper, it’s a natural progression for the airline to be launching flights between Abu Dhabi and Muscat. The flight distance is a mere 206 NM (380 km) but there is a border and plenty of sand between the two cities.
The service between Muscat International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Wizz initially hoped for the Muscat flights to start on July 1st, 2021. The announcement of this service earlier this year was part of a wider motive across the carrier's network, with Bari, Kyiv, and Oman’s Salalah all part of the expansion.
Plenty to see
Wizz noted Oman's natural wonders, including its golden sands and crystal waters complementing its rich history and culture as pull factors to the country. Overall, the airline is keen to increase connectivity in the region.
“We’re excited to offer these new routes giving travellers sustainable options to explore new places. Travellers will be dazzled by beautiful architecture found in every corner of Kiev, a wealth of history and gorgeous beaches in Bari, and the nature and diverse landscape found in Oman,” Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said in a statement in May.
“Kiev, Bari, Salalah and Muscat are our next destinations in a series of new route announcements we have made, and will continue to make – we are committed to providing Abu Dhabi residents and tourists with new travel options and destinations at affordable prices.”
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A driving force
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has been covering good ground across the Middle East and Europe since its first flight from Abu Dhabi to Athens on January 15th this year. The airline now flies to approximately 30 destinations with its four Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Nonetheless, Wizz Air has been expanding well across all its operations. Especially in the United Kingdom where is recently opened several bases, such as a second site at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, a fourth location at Cardiff Airport, and another one at London Gatwick. Moreover, it launched its first domestic service in the UK this summer. Across Europe, there has been scaling up in Italy, Ukraine, Germany, and Bosnia.
When it comes to Wizz Air Abu Dhabi specifically, it will launch flights to Moscow from Abu Dhabi this December. Altogether, the subsidiary is showing its determination to continue its expansion into the new year.
There is plenty of potential for the airline, with flights to India with the A321XLR a possibility in the future. Ultimately, it's only the beginning for Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.
Simple Flying reached out to Wizz Air about its operations to Muscat. We will update the article with any further announcements from the company.
What are your thoughts about Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s inaugural flight to Muscat? What do you make of the airlines’ operations in the Middle East? Let us know what you think in the comment section.