European budget carrier Wizz Air has suspended plans to resume flights from the Russian capital of Moscow to Abu Dhabi, amid mounting criticism over the relaunch decision this month.
In a statement on Friday, the airline made no mention of a growing social media backlash, which included some calls to boycott the airline, but referred only to “industry supply chain limitations”.
Advertisement
It is not clear what limitations Wizz Air was referring to in its statement.
The airline was initially planning the resumption of flights to Russia starting on October 3rd, citing high demand from customers as the reason behind the controversial move.
Advertisement
Check prices and Book Cheap flights and hotels Now
However, a huge backlash ensued online, with some experts warning that the move risks reputational damage for the brand.
The ultra low cost carrier first responded to the criticism by saying that the flights would be operated by its Abu Dhabi venture – a registered carrier in the UAE operating in line with the Gulf state’s regulations.
The London-listed Wizz Air holds a 49 percent stake in Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, whose aircraft carry the European airline’s name and branding. Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ owns 51 percent.
European carriers have ceased operations with Russia, while Russian airlines are banned from European Union airspace as part of Western sanctions for the war in Ukraine.
The UAE has not imposed sanctions on Russia and instead said it sought to maintain a neutral position.
