Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is banking on Lebanon’s tourism resurgence by introducing a new route to Beirut, following a ceasefire that ended over a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The budget airline will launch thrice-weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Beirut starting June 4, signaling growing confidence in Lebanon’s tourism recovery. “This move reflects Lebanon’s return to normalcy, with increasing demand for VFR [visiting friends and relatives] travel and a resurgence in regional tourism,” said Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.
Eidhagen believes Lebanon’s tourism sector will bounce back “relatively fast,” bolstered by the broader growth of the Middle East as a travel destination.
Tourism remains a crucial pillar of Lebanon’s struggling economy. The country’s real GDP shrank by 7.1% last year due to the conflict, compared to an estimated 0.9% growth in a no-war scenario, according to the World Bank. Since 2019, Lebanon’s economy has contracted by nearly 40%, with the war exacerbating the financial crisis.
The country’s reconstruction is expected to cost around $11 billion, with $3 billion to $5 billion requiring public funding—$1 billion of which will be allocated to infrastructure. The private sector is expected to contribute $6 billion to $8 billion, particularly in tourism, commerce, and industry.
A Strategic Expansion Amid Regional Stabilization
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi sees this as the right moment to enter the Lebanese market, citing “increased normalization” in the region. “With a ceasefire in place and a shift towards regional stability, we felt the timing was ideal,” said Eidhagen. “This expansion demonstrates our belief in Lebanon’s market recovery and our role in fueling it.”
The airline will deploy its Airbus A321 aircraft, equipped with 230 seats, for the Beirut route. One-way tickets start at Dh359, approximately 40% lower than current fares on the same route, aiming to boost travel frequency.
“This route will make travel more accessible for those who previously found it unaffordable,” Eidhagen noted. “We’re targeting the large Lebanese diaspora in the UAE and short-term vacationers looking for budget-friendly options.”
While demand between the UAE and Lebanon is already strong, Eidhagen believes lowering ticket prices will encourage more frequent trips. Load factors on new routes typically begin in the “mid to high 80% range” before climbing above 90%.
To accommodate new routes like Beirut and Milan, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has temporarily suspended its Athens service for the summer. The airline also announced a new route to Gabala, Azerbaijan, starting June 19.
“We already serve Baku, and Gabala is a fantastic addition—an unexplored destination for travelers looking to escape the heat and experience a cooler climate,” Eidhagen said.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a joint venture between Hungary’s Wizz Air Holding and Abu Dhabi’s state-owned ADQ, launched operations in 2021. The airline now serves 34 destinations with a fleet of 12 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.
With its latest expansion, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is not just tapping into Lebanon’s tourism revival but also shaping the future of affordable regional air travel.
