The largest low-cost carrier in Central and Eastern Europe, Wizz Air, has decided to suspend flights to and from Chisinau from March 14 due to security concerns, the Moldovan Civil Aviation Authority said. As a replacement, additional flights from the Romanian city of Iasi will be introduced. Meanwhile, representatives of the Hungarian Wizz Air on Twitter stated that they had no information on this issue, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Moldova confirmed suspension of flights from 14 March.
“Wizz Air is closely monitoring the security situation in Moldova and is constantly in contact with various local and international bodies and agencies to ensure the highest level of security for operations. The safety of passengers and crew remains Wizz Air’s number one priority, and as a result of recent developments in Moldova and the high but not inevitable risk in the country’s airspace, Wizz Air has taken the difficult but responsible decision to suspend all flights to Chisinau effective March 14,”— the airline announced today, February 27 (quoted from Romania-Insider). This decision of Wizz Air is also reported by other media, including Archyde.com, TASS and RIA Novosti.
It is expected that following March 14, Wizz Air will increase the number of flights from Iasi, which is the nearest airport to Chisinau, where the company operates. Wizz Air said they would continuously assess the situation and resume flights as soon as there are safe conditions for doing so.
On Twitter, the airline, when asked by a user regarding the suspension of flights, its representatives replied: “We have no information on this issue, stay tuned on our website.”
The Moldovan authorities were notified of Wizz Air’s decision by email, the aviation authority noted that the decision created uncertainty. “On February 14, the airline requested approval of the flight schedule for the summer season, and today it was approved by the management. After analyzing the risks, the government agencies have determined that flights in the national airspace can be operated safely … and regret the sudden decision taken by Wizz Air, ”says message Civil Aviation Authority and a promise to take the necessary actions for the speedy return of the air carrier.
In February, at least two incidents occurred in Moldovan airspace. On February 10, it was violated by a rocket flying towards Ukraine. On February 14, flights over Moldova were suspended due to an unidentified flying object, which was later identified as a drone or measuring device.
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