Wizz Air Abu Dhabi Expands to Beirut to Revive Lebanese Tourism
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is launching a new route to Beirut to enhance tourism recovery, starting June 4. The airline’s entry reflects a shift towards normalization in Lebanon post-conflict, with a focus on affordable travel for the diaspora and tourists. The strategy aims to capitalize on an anticipated swift rebound in the tourism sector, supported by competitive pricing and increased flight capacity.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is poised to capitalize on the anticipated recovery of Lebanon’s tourism sector by introducing a new route to Beirut. This move follows a ceasefire agreement that concluded over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Commencing on June 4, the ultra-low-cost airline will operate flights three times weekly from Abu Dhabi to Beirut, aiming to boost both visiting friends and relatives (VFR) traffic and general tourism in the area.
Johan Eidhagen, the managing director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, noted that the entry into the Lebanese market signifies a shift towards normalization and indicates a rising demand for Lebanese travel routes. He expressed confidence that tourism to Lebanon will rebound swiftly, as the Middle East emerges as a prominent tourist destination. The tourism sector is pivotal for Lebanon’s economy, which saw a 7.1 percent contraction in GDP last year due to the conflict, as stated in a World Bank report.
The economic landscape has deteriorated, with Lebanon’s GDP reported to have declined nearly 40 percent since 2019, exacerbated by war. The total cost for reconstruction and recovery is estimated at approximately $11 billion, requiring a mix of public and private financing, particularly in housing, commerce, industry, and tourism.
Mr. Eidhagen believes the timing for launching flights to Beirut is opportune, given the recent regional normalization after a ceasefire among various parties. He mentioned that Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has the capacity to cater to the market and is optimistic about the demand within the area. The airline plans to employ its high-density Airbus A321 aircraft, which can accommodate up to 230 passengers.
One-way tickets will start at a competitive Dh359, which is approximately 40 percent lower than existing fare prices, aiming to encourage more frequent travel and provide affordable options for passengers. Mr. Eidhagen emphasized that the goal is to attract the sizeable Lebanese diaspora in the UAE and short-term holidaymakers.
New routes are strategically positioned to stimulate demand, even as Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has suspended some of its other routes to make room for these additions. In conjunction with the Beirut route, the airline also announced a new destination in Gabala, Azerbaijan, starting on June 19, which Mr. Eidhagen described as an appealing choice for those seeking a cooler climate.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s introduction of flights to Beirut is a strategic move aimed at revitalizing travel to Lebanon amidst its recovery from conflict. By offering lower fares and enhancing market capacity, the airline targets both the Lebanese diaspora and tourists. With hopes of swiftly rebuilding Lebanon’s tourism infrastructure, Wizz Air is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s travel landscape, while also expanding its network with new destinations.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
