Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is launching a new route to Beirut, beginning June 4, as a response to a ceasefire in the region. The airline seeks to enhance tourism travel to Lebanon, offering affordable airfares to encourage increased visits. This expansion comes alongside a new route to Gabala, Azerbaijan, and a temporary suspension of its Athens route.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is strategically expanding its network with the introduction of a new route connecting Abu Dhabi to Beirut, scheduled to commence on June 4. This development follows a ceasefire agreement that has eased tensions in the region, encouraging the airline’s belief in a rebound for Lebanon’s tourism sector. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will operate flights three times a week, reflecting positive consumer demand for travel to Lebanon, as expressed by Johan Eidhagen, managing director of the airline.
Eidhagen remarked that tourism in Lebanon is poised for a rapid recovery, particularly with the growing popularity of the Middle East as a travel destination. He noted the significant impact of tourism on Lebanon’s economy, which has suffered considerably due to ongoing conflicts. A recent World Bank report highlighted a 7.1 percent contraction in the real GDP last year, with a total decline of nearly 40 percent since 2019, necessitating about $11 billion for reconstruction efforts.
The airline’s managing director emphasized the timeliness of launching Beirut flights amidst increased normalization in the region and the potential for higher demand. Wizz Air intends to utilize its Airbus A321 aircraft that can accommodate 230 passengers, enabling the airline to meet anticipated capacity needs. With one-way fares starting at Dh359, the airline aims to offer more affordable travel options compared to existing prices, thereby encouraging frequent trips.
Wizz Air aims to cater to the large Lebanese diaspora in the UAE and promote short trips to Beirut. Eidhagen noted that while there is considerable traffic between the UAE and Beirut, the frequency of flights remains low. By making travel more affordable, he believes that more individuals will engage in short trips. The airline has also decided to suspend its Athens route for the summer season to facilitate new routes like Beirut and Milan.
Additionally, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has announced a new destination in Gabala, Azerbaijan, set to launch on June 19. This new route complements its existing service to Baku and offers travelers an escape to a cooler climate. The airline, a collaborative venture between Wizz Air and Abu Dhabi state holding company ADQ, successfully launched operations in 2021, contributing to its growing network of 34 destinations using a fleet of 12 aircraft.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s introduction of a Beirut route signals confidence in a tourism recovery for Lebanon following the recent ceasefire. The airline’s focus on affordability aims to increase travel frequency, particularly among the Lebanese diaspora in the UAE. With the suspension of its Athens route, the airline is strategically enhancing its offerings, including upcoming flights to Gabala, Azerbaijan, in a bid to expand its market share and promote low-cost travel.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
