Wizz Air Cancels Milan-Abu Dhabi Service After Struggling to Secure Passenger Demand, Focusing Future Expansion on More Profitable, High-Demand Routes

Published on May 5, 2025

Wizz Air has announced the cancellation of its planned Milan-Abu Dhabi route, which was slated to begin service on June 2, 2024. The decision comes after a thorough evaluation of the route’s performance, revealing disappointing passenger demand. As a result, the airline has decided to remove the route from its network entirely. This leaves Etihad Airways as the only airline offering direct flights between the two cities for the time being.

The Milan-Abu Dhabi route was part of Wizz Air’s broader strategy to utilize its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, designed for longer flights while maintaining lower operational costs. However, this ambitious plan has faced several challenges, with this particular route serving as a prime example of the difficulties the airline is encountering in rolling out its new fleet and expanding its long-haul network.

Passenger Demand Falls Short

Despite the initial optimism surrounding the Milan-Abu Dhabi service, reports indicate that Wizz Air struggled to sell enough tickets to make the route viable. Sources close to the matter suggest that the airline sold fewer than 6,000 seats for the route, which accounts for less than half of the total available capacity. This shortfall in ticket sales made it clear that the route was unsustainable, prompting the airline to scrap its plans for this particular service.

A key factor contributing to the low demand was the intense competition from Etihad Airways, which already operates a well-established service between Milan and Abu Dhabi. To combat Wizz Air’s low-cost fares, Etihad adjusted its pricing strategy, offering tickets at rates similar to Wizz Air’s for several weeks. This price match, coupled with Etihad’s advantage of operating widebody aircraft, gave the airline a competitive edge. The comfort, in-flight amenities, and included services such as meals and hand luggage made Etihad’s offerings more attractive to passengers seeking a more premium travel experience.

Delays in the A321XLR Rollout

The Milan-Abu Dhabi route cancellation is part of a broader set of challenges surrounding Wizz Air’s new fleet of Airbus A321XLRs. Originally, the airline had ambitious plans to launch several long-haul routes using this aircraft, which boasts a longer range and greater fuel efficiency than other narrowbody planes. The Milan-Abu Dhabi service was one of the first to be announced, with Wizz Air hoping to leverage the A321XLR’s capabilities for long-haul flights at a low cost.

However, delays in the delivery of the A321XLR aircraft have caused setbacks in the airline’s schedule. Initially, Wizz Air planned to introduce the aircraft on the London Gatwick-Jeddah route, but this too has been postponed. These delays have hindered Wizz Air’s ability to capitalize on the A321XLR’s advantages in a timely manner.

Despite these issues, Wizz Air remains committed to the aircraft and its long-term potential. The A321XLR, often hailed as the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class, is expected to play a crucial role in the airline’s future growth. With its extended range, it opens up possibilities for new routes that would have been difficult to serve with traditional narrowbody aircraft.

Focus on Emerging Markets

Although the Milan-Abu Dhabi service has been canceled, Wizz Air’s broader strategy for the A321XLR is far from derailed. The airline continues to focus on expanding its network in emerging markets, particularly in regions like India, where there is growing demand for direct flights to Europe. The A321XLR’s longer range and cost-effective operation make it an ideal aircraft for serving such routes, allowing Wizz Air to tap into high-demand markets while keeping fares competitive.

Wizz Air’s plans also include expanding further into the Middle East and North Africa, regions where low-cost long-haul travel is gaining traction. However, the airline has made it clear that it does not intend to use the A321XLR to enter the highly competitive U.S. market. The U.S. aviation sector is dominated by legacy carriers that offer a premium travel experience, something that does not align with Wizz Air’s budget-friendly business model.

The A321XLR’s Growing Role in the Industry

Despite the challenges Wizz Air has faced, the Airbus A321XLR is gaining traction among other airlines as well. Iberia has already begun using the aircraft for its routes from Madrid, including flights to Paris and Boston, highlighting the aircraft’s versatility in both short and long-haul markets. This marks a significant step forward in the airline industry, as narrowbody aircraft like the A321XLR begin to replace widebody planes on certain routes.

Aer Lingus, another major European carrier, has also adopted the A321XLR for its new service between Dublin and Indianapolis. The aircraft allows Aer Lingus to offer a long-haul route without the higher costs associated with widebody jets. This shift in the industry is expected to lead to more low-cost long-haul options, giving travelers more affordable choices for international flights.

Other airlines, including American Airlines, Air Canada, and India’s IndiGo, have placed orders for the A321XLR, further signaling the aircraft’s potential to reshape the way airlines approach long-haul travel. The A321XLR’s ability to provide non-stop flights between distant cities while maintaining a lower operating cost is seen as a key innovation that could revolutionize air travel in the coming years.

Wizz Air’s Path Forward

While the cancellation of the Milan-Abu Dhabi route represents a setback, Wizz Air remains optimistic about its future with the A321XLR. The airline is committed to expanding its network using the aircraft, with a focus on emerging markets and new routes that can be served efficiently with narrowbody planes. Wizz Air’s long-term strategy includes the development of more point-to-point routes, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, which could benefit from the A321XLR’s range and cost efficiency.

The airline’s vision for low-cost long-haul travel remains intact, despite the early hurdles with the A321XLR. As the carrier continues to expand and refine its network, the A321XLR is expected to play a key role in this transformation. With its fuel efficiency, extended range, and lower operating costs, the A321XLR has the potential to redefine how Wizz Air and other low-cost carriers approach long-haul air travel.

The A321XLR is set to be a game-changer in the aviation industry, providing airlines with a new way to serve long-haul routes while keeping costs low. As more airlines adopt the aircraft, it is expected to bring about a major shift in air travel, opening up new possibilities for both passengers and carriers alike.