In a surprising move, Wizz Air has exited Abu Dhabi, leaving many travelers wondering where to turn next for affordable flights. The Hungarian low-cost carrier had become a popular choice for budget-conscious flyers in the region. But don’t worry — if you’re searching for affordable airlines from Abu Dhabi, there are still plenty of excellent options available.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, planning your next holiday, or just looking to get the best deal, this guide will walk you through nine great alternatives to Wizz Air that combine competitive prices with solid service.
Why Did Wizz Air Leave Abu Dhabi?
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi first launched in 2020 during the pandemic, targeting low-cost travel routes to Europe, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East. But despite initial success, rising operational costs, fierce competition, and changing passenger demand reportedly led to the decision to withdraw operations from the UAE capital in 2025.
This change leaves a gap in the affordable travel market from Abu Dhabi, but it also opens doors to explore other exciting and budget-friendly airlines still operating in and out of the city.
Top 9 Affordable Airlines from Abu Dhabi
Here are 9 budget-friendly airlines from Abu Dhabi you can rely on for low fares, decent service, and extensive route networks:
1. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi
Base: Abu Dhabi International Airport
Destinations: Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, and North Africa
Why Choose It:
- It’s the UAE’s own low-cost airline
- Great for short- to medium-haul destinations
- Frequent flights to India, Egypt, and Pakistan
- Cabin comfort and customer service are praised for a budget carrier
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is a perfect replacement for Wizz Air if you’re looking for cheap and reliable travel to the region and beyond.
2. flydubai
Base: Dubai International Airport, but connects well with Abu Dhabi via road
Destinations: Over 100 destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa
Why Choose It:
- Seamless codeshare with Emirates
- Often cheaper than major airlines for the same destinations
- Strong on punctuality and safety
- Quality in-flight entertainment (rare for budget airlines)
Even though it operates from Dubai, flydubai is a strong alternative with good value fares that can make the short trip from Abu Dhabi worth it.
3. SalamAir
Base: Muscat, Oman (serves Abu Dhabi)
Destinations: Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia
Why Choose It:
- Competitive prices, especially for flights to India
- Clean, modern aircraft
- Easy online booking and check-in
SalamAir is a great choice if you’re heading toward India or Southeast Asia and want a no-frills flight at a decent price.
4. Pegasus Airlines
Base: Istanbul, Turkey
Destinations: Europe, Turkey, and Middle East
Why Choose It:
- Excellent for connections to Europe
- One of the most budget-friendly options for Turkish routes
- Abu Dhabi-Istanbul route is competitively priced
Pegasus Airlines has a strong reputation among budget travelers and can be a great pick if Europe is on your radar.
5. Jazeera Airways
Base: Kuwait
Destinations: Middle East, India, Pakistan, and parts of Europe
Why Choose It:
- Consistently low fares
- Flexible travel policies
- Ideal for short international trips from Abu Dhabi
Jazeera Airways often runs special promotions, making it one of the most affordable airlines from Abu Dhabi for regional travel.
6. IndiGo
Base: India
Destinations: India and Southeast Asia
Why Choose It:
- India’s top budget airline
- Frequent connections between Abu Dhabi and major Indian cities
- Timely departures and affordable baggage add-ons
For those flying to or from India, IndiGo is a no-brainer. It’s cheap, efficient, and offers great connectivity to Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in India.
7. Scoot
Base: Singapore
Destinations: Southeast Asia, Australia, East Asia
Why Choose It:
- Low fares to Singapore, Bangkok, and Sydney
- Unique route map from Abu Dhabi
- Good for long-haul budget flights
Scoot, a Singapore Airlines subsidiary, brings affordable long-haul travel options and is ideal for leisure travelers.
8. Etihad Airways (Economy Saver Fares)
Base: Abu Dhabi
Destinations: Worldwide
Why Choose It:
- National carrier with high service standards
- Economy Saver fares are surprisingly competitive
- You get checked bags, meals, and entertainment
Though not a traditional low-cost carrier, Etihad’s discounted economy fares often beat budget airline prices once you add extras like luggage and food.
9. Turkish Airlines (Promo Fares)
Base: Istanbul
Destinations: Global
Why Choose It:
- Premium service with economy-friendly promo fares
- Regular sales from Abu Dhabi
- Great option for flights to Europe and North America
You may not think of Turkish Airlines as a budget carrier, but their promotional fares can rival any low-cost airline — especially when you factor in free meals and generous baggage allowances.
Tips to Get the Best Deals on Affordable Airlines from Abu Dhabi
To help you make the most of your travel budget, here are a few quick tips:
- Book Early: The earlier you book, the more you save.
- Be Flexible: Flights on weekdays are usually cheaper than weekends.
- Use Price Alerts: Set alerts on Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Hopper.
- Fly Light: Budget airlines charge for extras — pack smart to avoid fees.
- Look for Sales: Follow airline newsletters and social media for promo codes and deals.
- Bundle and Save: Sometimes adding a hotel or car rental can reduce total costs.
Popular Budget Destinations from Abu Dhabi
Looking for inspiration on where to go next? Here are some popular routes served by affordable airlines from Abu Dhabi:
- Cairo, Egypt – Air Arabia, Jazeera Airways
- Mumbai, India – IndiGo, Air Arabia
- Istanbul, Turkey – Pegasus, Turkish Airlines
- Bangkok, Thailand – Scoot, via connecting hubs
- Colombo, Sri Lanka – SalamAir, IndiGo
- Tbilisi, Georgia – flydubai, Air Arabia
- Muscat, Oman – SalamAir
Conclusion: Affordable Travel from Abu Dhabi is Still Alive
Wizz Air’s departure from Abu Dhabi might feel like the end of budget travel for UAE residents — but that’s far from true. As you’ve seen, there are plenty of affordable airlines from Abu Dhabi ready to take you to exciting destinations across the globe.
From homegrown heroes like Air Arabia Abu Dhabi to regional stars like IndiGo and Scoot, travelers still have options to fly smart and save more.
So go ahead — compare fares, check routes, and book your next trip without breaking the bank.
Ready to fly? Use the airlines listed above to keep traveling without the high costs, and make the most of what Abu Dhabi’s skies still have to offer.
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