The Hungarian budget airline cited geopolitical tension, difficulty securing routes, and engine issues deriving from the harsh climate as reasons for withdrawing.

Low-cost carrier Wizz Air said on Monday it would exit its Abu Dhabi operations and suspend all locally based flights from September due to operational challenges and geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

While Wizz Air is withdrawing from its Abu Dhabi venture, budget carrier Air Arabia's similar operation has revealed plans to expand. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi was established in co-operation with Etihad Airways - which is based in the United Arab Emirates capital and which has also newly unveiled plans to