Wizz Air Launches First Airbus A321XLR Route from Milan to Abu Dhabi

Wizz Air has revealed its inaugural Airbus A321XLR route at a special event in Italy. On September 4, 2024, CEO József Váradi announced that the ultra-low-cost carrier will operate its first A321XLR flight between Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) starting June 2, 2025. This route will offer daily direct flights, marking a significant expansion for Wizz Air.

The new Airbus A321XLR, which is set to be based at Milan Malpensa, will enhance Wizz Air’s network with its extended range capabilities. Váradi expects the first of these long-range aircraft to arrive in February 2025, with plans to connect “six to seven” European cities with destinations in India.

The Milan-Abu Dhabi route will take approximately seven hours, with Wizz Air projecting that fares will be 70% lower than those of current competitors. The A321XLR’s cost-efficiency and extended range make it an ideal choice for long-haul low-cost travel, allowing Wizz Air to offer more affordable flights while connecting distant regions.

“The Airbus A321XLR is the most cost-efficient aircraft in its class. Its extended range allows us to link more remote destinations, providing unbeatable fares and sustainable options for our passengers,” Váradi stated. He also highlighted that the A321XLR will extend Wizz Air’s value proposition to longer flights, building on the success of its existing ultra-low-cost routes.

The Airbus A321XLR, which received Type Certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in July 2024, is expected to enter commercial service in the summer of 2025. Iberia will be the first airline to operate the A321XLR, while Aer Lingus is set to receive its first two models in the fourth quarter of 2024. Originally, Aer Lingus was scheduled to be the launch carrier, but an industrial dispute with its pilots led to the switch to Iberia.

Airbus has high expectations for the A321XLR, which it describes as offering “single-aisle economics on widebody routes.” The aircraft boasts a range of 4,700 nautical miles and a higher Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) compared to the A321neo, allowing for greater luggage capacity and fuel efficiency.

Wizz Air’s new route and the introduction of the A321XLR represent a major step in the airline’s expansion strategy, aimed at providing low-cost travel options across longer distances and enhancing connectivity between Europe and the Middle East.