Wizz Air Holdings plans to develop Saudi Arabia as an "inbound market" rather than set up a joint venture with a local AOC, as previously floated, Chief Executive József Váradi has told Reuters.

The low-cost carrier recently announced London Gatwick-Jeddah International as the first route to be operated by Wizz Air UK (W9, London Luton) using an A321-200NY(XLR). The route will launch in March 2025 and will be the first Saudi service for the holding's British AOC. However, Wizz Air, Wizz Air Malta, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi all already serve Saudi Arabia, connecting Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Madinah.

Váradi identified London-Middle East as one of the three core markets the A321-200NY(XLR)s would be used to serve.

The Hungary-headquartered but London-listed LCC previously hinted at a possible JV in Saudi Arabia to benefit from the country's ambitious aviation and tourism growth strategy. In 2022, it envisioned rapid growth in the country, aiming to have a fleet of up to 50 aircraft based in Saudi Arabia.