Wizz Air Launches First Long-Haul A321XLR Flight from Abu Dhabi-Milan

Wizz Air, the ultra-low-cost Hungarian airline, has announced its first long-haul route using the Airbus A321XLR at a special event in Italy.

Starting June 2, 2025, Wizz Air will operate daily flights between Milan Malpensa and Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion into long-haul travel. This route leverages the A321XLR’s impressive range and fuel efficiency, positioning Wizz Air as a strong competitor in the long-distance market.

The airline plans to offer this route as an affordable alternative to other carriers, with fares expected to be up to 70% lower than current options. The Airbus A321XLR, introduced by Airbus in 2019, is a single-aisle aircraft that can carry up to 244 passengers and offers a flight range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, with a maximum flight time of 11 hours.

This extended range allows the aircraft to connect distant destinations such as New York to Rome, London to Vancouver, and Delhi to London. Wizz Air is scheduled to receive its first A321XLR aircraft by late May 2025, and operations will begin on June 2, 2025.

Wizz Air’s decision to use the A321XLR follows in the footsteps of Iberia, the launch customer for the aircraft, which is set to begin flying the A321XLR from Madrid to Boston in November 2024. A second Iberia route, from Madrid to Washington Dulles, is expected to start in early 2025. According to the Aviation Week Network Fleet Discovery database, over 500 A321XLRs have already been ordered by airlines worldwide.

József Váradi, Wizz Air’s CEO, highlighted the A321XLR’s cost efficiency and long-range capabilities as key elements in the airline’s ability to expand its network. The new Abu Dhabi-Milan route not only offers ultra-low fares but also represents one of the most sustainable flying options available.

This introduction of the A321XLR is expected to pave the way for further intercontinental expansion, allowing Wizz Air to offer more long-haul flights at highly competitive prices, enhancing its value proposition for budget-conscious travelers.