Etihad CEO Says No Favoritism in Abu Dhabi as Wizz Air Exits
The CEO of UAE’s national airline has made it clear: Etihad Airways does not get any special treatment in Abu Dhabi. Speaking after claims from Wizz Air’s boss about “favouritism,” Etihad’s Antonoaldo Neves said the competitive landscape at the capital’s airport is fair and open to all.
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“I can tell you that Etihad today has no subsidies. We pay fuel in Abu Dhabi at market price. Etihad is not actually favoured whatsoever,” Neves told Gulf News.
His remarks come after Wizz Air CEO Jozef Varadi suggested that his airline pulled out of its Abu Dhabi hub because the government favoured Etihad, despite their joint venture. Wizz Air recently suspended all Abu Dhabi flights, citing unfair restrictions, including being blocked from flying to India and Pakistan despite having permissions from those countries.
Fierce Competition at Abu Dhabi Airport
While avoiding direct criticism of Wizz Air’s claims, Neves highlighted how competitive Abu Dhabi really is.
“I’ve been CEO in Brazil and Europe. Here, the competition for slots at Abu Dhabi airport is fierce. Airlines from India, British Airways, carriers from all over the globe fight for slots,” he explained.
He pointed out that Etihad controls only 56% of the airport’s movements, asking: “How can I have favouritism?”
Slots, the scheduled times an airline can take off or land, are highly contested. And Neves was quick to note the difference between slots and traffic rights (the permissions to fly certain routes), saying both are handled fairly in the UAE.
Airport Services Are Neutral
Neves also pointed to changes made in Abu Dhabi to ensure a level playing field.
“Before COVID, Etihad handled ground services and catering for everyone. But about five years ago, Abu Dhabi made these independent so everyone has the same access,” he said.
Now, all airlines at Abu Dhabi Airport use independent providers for handling and catering, ensuring no single airline has an edge.
Grandfather Rights Are Respected
Responding to Wizz Air’s complaint that traffic rights were unfairly allocated, Neves said the UAE respects “grandfather rights,” a standard practice in aviation where existing rights stay with the current holder unless they’re surrendered.
“In the UAE, grandfather rights are respected, traffic rights are respected. If I go to Europe and ask for Air France’s traffic rights, I won’t get them either,” he explained.
Neves admitted there are traffic rights in the UAE he wishes Etihad could access but cannot, unless competitors exit the market.
Etihad Ready to Compete
Neves closed by reaffirming that Etihad thrives on competition, whether it’s with legacy carriers, low-cost airlines, or startups.
“Everything we are achieving is because of our ability to compete. Etihad is strong, and we’re ready to compete. We like to compete and we’re good at it,” he said, even praising rivals like Ryanair for their success.
Despite being wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign fund, Neves stressed that Etihad’s success is based on merit, not government favouritism.