FT
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Thursday, 10 March 2022 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the ultra-low-cost national airline of the UAE, has launched an exciting new route from Abu Dhabi to Mattala, Sri Lanka.
The new destination provides affordable, hassle-free travel for tourists and residents in both the UAE and Sri Lanka with unique travel opportunities and a convenient Wizz flight schedule on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tickets are available on sale from 2:30 p.m. local time on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app with fares starting as low as AED 179.
The airline introduces a new segment of travel by adding its first destination to South Asia which will allow customers from across the broader Wizz Air network to travel via Abu Dhabi to the exotic destination of Sri Lanka.
Strategically located within the UAE, the Wizz Air Abu Dhabi network also provides ultra-low fare, hassle-free and efficient travel options to Alexandria (Egypt), Amman (Jordan), Aqaba (Jordan), Athens (Greece), Baku (Azerbaijan), Belgrade (Serbia), Kutaisi (Georgia), Manama (Bahrain), Muscat (Oman), Sarajevo (Bosnia), Sohag (Egypt), Tel-Aviv (Israel), Tirana (Albania) and Yerevan (Armenia) among others.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi Managing Director Michael Berlouis said: “Sri Lanka is an exciting destination that has everything; beautiful beaches, a diverse cultural heritage, historical sites dating back 1000s of years and even a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is truly a must-see travel destination. We are proud to be providing our customers ever more convenient, affordable opportunities for relaxation and adventure and look forward to seeing you on board our aircraft to the island paradise soon.”
State Minister of Aviation and Export Zones Development D.V. Chanaka said: “It is indeed a happy occasion as Wizz air announces its three times a week scheduled operations to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. The airport is strategically surrounded by the most preferred tourist attractions in the island which makes it easy for the tourists to get about be it the sandy beaches, hill country, wildlife parks, etc. With Wizz Air’s low airfare rates we also anticipate the Sri Lankan employee market in UAE to vastly benefit from travel between the two regions which is expected to be extremely economical. Further, the tourism sector in Sri Lanka will vastly grow with short and long-stay tourists arriving to the island while increasing connectivity between cities and other airlines around Wizz Air schedules. I am positive that the route will be a success and wish Wizz Air a successful air operation here in Sri Lanka.”
Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., Chairman Major General (Rtd.) G.A Chandrasiri said: “We are extremely delighted to welcome Wizz Air to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. After passing through a challenging period with the global pandemic, and with renewed hopes in the aviation industry, we are glad to see a reputed international airline commencing scheduled flight operations to MRIA as a result of our efforts in promoting the destination. I am sure that this new connection will enormously support the tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka and strengthen the economy.”
AASL Director Operations Mr. ShehanSumanasekara said: “MRIA has untapped potential as it is surrounded by well-known tourist attractions, such as wildlife, beaches, cultural and religious places. As an exotic tourism destination airport, AASL has been pursuing its efforts to develop MRIA as an economic booster for regional and national development. Wizz Air will be adding 2869 seat capacity per month to Sri Lanka with its 3 times a week operation from Abu Dhabi to Mattala. This will promote Sri Lanka with a completely new segment of tourists from the UAE region and surrounding nations. Further, with its low airfare, we expect many adventure-seeking Travellers to arrive here in the island surrounded by sandy beaches with the airport situated only 4 hours away from the Abu Dhabi airport means a quick get away from the busy life to enjoy a holiday in the paradise isle.”
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has a young fleet composed of four brand new state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo aircraft, offering the lowest fuel burn, emissions and noise footprint. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has the lowest environmental footprint among its competitors in the region, supporting the airline’s long-term commitment to sustainability.