Update August 22, 2022: Wizz Air has reversed its decision to resume flights between Abu Dhabi and Moscow and is suspending the process of launching the route.
Original story: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi to resume flights to Moscow for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine. Flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Moscow Vnukovo (VKO) will resume on October 3, with daily flights scheduled. Tickets are already on sale.
"Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operates a network of 34 destinations within a five-hour flying radius of Abu Dhabi, offering great fares to a variety of diverse destinationsMichael Berlouis, director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said in a statement to reporters.
"We support the UAE tourism and travel industry by improving connectivity both regionally and globally in line with national regulations and policies."
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi launched a route to Moscow Vnukovo last December, initially offering a 4 times weekly service using Airbus A321neo aircraft. Frequencies increased to seven weekly flights in February 2022, before the route was suspended later that month after the start of the war.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with China and India, abstained from a United Nations Security Council vote in February to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The country has a neutral stance on the war and has not imposed sanctions.
There are currently four airlines connecting the UAE to Russia. Air Arabia serves Sharjah (SHJ)-Moscow Domodedovo (DME) 3 times a day. Emirates has 4 weekly flights on the Dubai (DXB)-St Petersburg Pulkovo ( LED ) route and a double daily flight between Dubai and Moscow Domodedovo.
Etihad currently offers daily flights on the Abu Dhabi-Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) route, and Flydubai served eight Russian destinations from Dubai. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will be the fifth airline to fly between the United Arab Emirates and Russia.
It should be noted that Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is a subsidiary of Wizz Air Hungary Ltd, but 51% of the shares are owned by the state company Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company.