Wizz Air is set to launch a new low-cost route connecting London Gatwick to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with fares starting at just £134.99. The overnight service will begin in March next year, and while the price is competitive, travellers should be aware of the no-frills experience onboard, including seats that do not recline on the seven-hour flight.
The route will be operated using Wizz Air’s upcoming fleet of Airbus A321XLR aircraft, known for their extended range of up to 8,700km. Wizz has ordered 47 of these aircraft, which will also support a new service between Milan and Abu Dhabi starting in June. The airline aims to fill each plane with 239 seats, significantly undercutting premium competitors such as British Airways.
Despite these ambitious plans, Wizz Air has faced operational challenges, including a recent report from Which? identifying it as the worst-performing airline for customer service, with 30% of its flights arriving late this year. Additionally, the airline has struggled with lower-than-expected fares and the grounding of nearly 50 aircraft due to issues with Pratt & Whitney engines.
The new A321XLR jets, which offer a 30% reduction in carbon emissions compared to older models like the Boeing 757 and 767, are expected to enhance Wizz Air’s ability to serve longer routes between Western Europe and India. However, CEO Jozsef Varadi has ruled out transatlantic flights, noting that Wizz Air’s focus remains on extending ultra-low-cost services to longer-haul destinations, but not over the Atlantic.
Varadi defended the decision to omit reclining seats, stating, “Having a reclining seat is a maintenance event, and it is costly, so we try to avoid it,” emphasising the airline’s commitment to maintaining low-cost principles.
Gatwick Airport CEO Stewart Wingate welcomed the arrival of the A321XLR, noting that it will support Gatwick’s efforts to rebuild its intercontinental network post-Covid. Wizz Air, listed in London, has made Gatwick its second UK base after Luton, currently operating five A321neos serving 26 destinations.
As Wizz Air continues to expand its reach, travellers looking for an affordable option to the Middle East may find the new route appealing, provided they’re comfortable with the trade-offs that come with budget travel.