Luton-based low-cost carrier Wizz Air is planning to expand its services from the UK to the Middle East.

It is looking at flights to several destinations including Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at a briefing in London this week, UK MD Marion Geoffroy said Wizz could launch the new routes from the UK when it takes delivery of long-range Airbus A321XLR aircraft from 2024.

She said Wizz could also offer flights from the Middle East hubs onwards to Asia, but she said these would not be connect with flights from the UK so the airline will not be flying in direct competition with the Gulf airlines.

Wizz already flies from the UK to Cyprus and Tel Aviv, and it is planning to add services between Luton and Amman in Jordan from December this year, pending regulatory approval.

The airline has ruled out transatlantic services, said Marion, due to the high level of competition on the routes.