The ultra-low-cost carrier began flying to Moscow in December 2021, but stopped shortly after in February 2022 when the ongoing conflict in Ukraine began. However, earlier this month, Wizz Air announced the resumption of flights from October 3, citing high customer demand as the reason behind the controversial move. The flights were scheduled to operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Moscow Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) with Airbus A321neos owned by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a subsidiary of Wizz Air. The carrier is 51% owned by Abu Dhabi holding company ADQ. Hungary-based Wizz Air owns the remaining 49%. JUST VIDEO OF THE DAY Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has a fleet of four Airbus A321neos. Photo: Wizz Air At the time of the restart announcement, a Wizz Air spokesperson said: “Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is a national carrier of the UAE operating in accordance with the national regulations and policies of the UAE. The airline is resuming its service to Moscow to meet travel demand for passengers wishing to fly to and from Russia from the UAE capital.” The planned restart had sparked backlash on social media, with some calling for a boycott of the airline. Wizz Air initially responded to the criticism by saying that the flights would be operated by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, which is registered in the United Arab Emirates, but the airline has now taken the decision to suspend the resumption of flights until further notice. No mention of the controversy was made by Wizz Air when it announced the suspension on Friday. Simple Flying has contacted Wizz Air for further comment.
Which airlines fly from United Arab Emirates to Russia?
With the exception of Air Serbia’s daily flight from Belgrade to Moscow, no European carrier flies to Russia. As part of Western sanctions imposed over the conflict, Russian airlines are banned from flying into European Union airspace. The sanctions have hit the Russian aviation industry hard, and with spare parts becoming increasingly difficult to find, reports recently emerged that national carrier Aeroflot had begun dismantling one of its new Airbus A350s for spare parts. The UAE, however, has maintained a neutral position on the conflict and has not imposed sanctions on Russia. As such, three other UAE-based carriers continue to operate flights to the country. Etihad Airways also flies to Moscow from Abu Dhabi, using Boeing 787-10 aircraft. Photo: Anna Zvereva via Flickr Emirates and flydubai currently operate Airbus A380 and Boeing 737 flights respectively from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME), while Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) with Boeing 787-10. Turkish Airlines, El Al and Air China are among other international carriers that have maintained flights to Russia. What do you think of Wizz Air suspending its plans to return to Russia? Share your thoughts by commenting below.
