The low-cost airline Wizz Air has been connecting Vienna International Airport with Saudi Arabia since September 30, 2022. For the time being, three destinations will be offered. The first flight to Dammam was on Friday. However, the carrier made a small faux pas: The premiere flight of all things was delayed.

According to Wizz Air, both directions were fully booked on Friday. The operational execution of the flights between Vienna and the city in the oil-rich state is carried out by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. The Airbus A321neo will be used on Monday and Friday traffic days. From December 14, 2022, services to Jeddah will be on Wednesdays and Sundays. The Riyadh connection will start on December 15, 2022. This route is to be served on Thursday and Saturday traffic days.

“Today we are happy to celebrate the first scheduled flight between Vienna and Dammam. Wizz Air strives to continuously expand its network and make it even more attractive, and with the new destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia we can offer Austrians a very special destination. Our regular flights to Dammam offer year-round sunshine and an eclectic mix of travel options,” said Evelin Jeckel, Network Officer at Wizz Air.

Vienna Airport Director Julian Jäger is also pleased that the low-cost airline will serve three destinations in Saudi Arabia in the future. On the occasion of the Damman first flight, the manager said: “With the new destination Dammam and the new connections to Jeddah and Riyadh, the range of flights from Vienna to the Arabic region will be further expanded, and we are very pleased about that. Travel between Vienna and the Near and Middle East is increasing significantly as a result of the comeback of aviation. From January to August 2022, the number of passengers almost quadrupled compared to the same period last year. The economy and tourism in both regions benefit from this”.

Wizz Air establishes branches in Saudi Arabia

Only recently it became known that Wizz Air intends to model Wizz Air Abu Dhabi set up a branch in Saudi Arabia. They want to set this up together with partners who have not yet been presented. The fleet of the intended start-up is to be increased to around 50 Airbus jets in the next few years. One wants to fly within Saudi Arabia as well as in the Gulf region and to Europe.

Anita Gackowska, Vice President Route Development of the Saudi Arabian ACP added: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate today's maiden flight on the route from Vienna to Dammam. This successful incorporation is part of ACP's goal of facilitating cooperation on aviation activities that contribute to the growth of the Kingdom's air connectivity and to connecting Saudi Arabia to the world. We look forward to the launch of the other announced routes and support Wizz Air as they expand their network within the Kingdom."

Conversion of the Vienna base to Wizz Air Malta?

It has been for a few days with Wizz Air Malta another offshoot in the air. This is currently active from Rome-Fiumicino and is also to set up a base at Luqa Airport with initially two machines. It is currently planned that around 75 Airbus jets will be operated by the Maltese carrier. The Vienna base currently operated by Wizz Air Hungary could also be handed over to the new sister company. At least the Malta airline in Austria is looking for staff.

Officially, however, Wizz Air is covered. Network boss Evelin Jeckel said, among other things: "Wizz Air can't say anything specific about it at the moment. But that wouldn't make a big difference for the passengers anyway. It's just an organizational matter."

The Wizz Air Group media office issued the following statement on request: "Wizz Air has long endeavored not to speculate on future events and any news will be announced in due course".