Air Arabia
A United Arab Emirates low-cost airline based in Sharjah, connecting the Gulf with destinations across the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia using Airbus A320 aircraft.
About Air Arabia
Air Arabia was established in 2003 and began flying that year as a low-cost carrier headquartered in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It became an early standard-bearer for the budget-airline model in the Middle East and North Africa. The airline is the principal carrier within the wider Air Arabia group and is publicly listed on the Dubai Financial Market. Its fares follow an unbundled structure, allowing passengers to purchase optional services according to their needs.
Sharjah International Airport is Air Arabia’s primary hub and the leading departure point in its network. The airline operates 98 routes serving 50 destinations across 25 countries, with coverage extending through the Gulf, the wider Middle East, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Ahmedabad, Almaty, Amman and Asyut are also among its busiest departure airports by route count. Destinations include Beirut, Bengaluru, Chennai, Chittagong, Coimbatore and Al-Najaf.
The Airbus A320 is the aircraft type used across the recorded route network. Its narrow-body layout is well suited to the airline’s mix of short-haul and medium-haul services from Sharjah and other departure points. Air Arabia offers an economy-class product rather than a conventional multicabin service. Checked baggage, advance seat selection, meals and other options may be included with certain fare bundles or purchased separately, so inclusions should be reviewed before payment.
Air Arabia is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Its own loyalty programme, AirRewards, enables members to collect and redeem points on eligible flights and selected travel extras. The programme is based primarily on qualifying spending rather than distance flown, distinguishing it from many traditional airline schemes. Travellers using other Air Arabia group carriers should review the current participation rules to confirm how a particular booking earns points or qualifies for redemption.
A notable strength is Air Arabia’s network of direct links between Sharjah and regional cities that may otherwise require a connection through a larger hub. Its low-cost model can produce competitive base fares, particularly for passengers travelling lightly. The trade-off is that checked baggage, food, preferred seating and booking flexibility can increase the final price. Travellers should therefore compare the complete cost, while also checking airport details carefully when an itinerary begins outside the airline’s principal Sharjah hub.
Good to know
Flying with Air Arabia — what to expect
Review Fare Inclusions
Air Arabia uses an unbundled low-cost model, so checked baggage, meals and seat selection may cost extra. Compare the available bundles with the price of purchasing each service separately.
Confirm Baggage Terms
Checked-baggage allowances depend on the fare or baggage option selected. Verify the entitlement printed on your booking because adding baggage at the airport can be less economical.
Economy Only Cabin
Air Arabia’s Airbus A320 services use an economy-class cabin without a conventional business-class section. Preferred or extra-legroom seats may be offered for an additional charge.
Meals Are Optional
Onboard food and drinks are generally optional rather than automatically included in the lowest fare. Pre-ordering can provide more choice than relying on the onboard selection.
Check Departure Airport
Sharjah is the primary hub, but the airline’s network also includes departures from airports such as Almaty, Ahmedabad, Amman and Asyut. Check the exact airport and terminal shown on the itinerary.
Join AirRewards Early
AirRewards members can earn points on eligible bookings and selected extras. Add the membership details before travel and retain booking records until the points have posted.
Network overview
Where Air Arabia flies
Air Arabia operates 98 routes to 50 destinations across 25 countries, its longest sector reaching Chittagong to Sharjah (3,698 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Air Arabia flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Chittagong → Sharjah
3,698 km · CGP → SHJ
The longest sector in the Air Arabia network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Air Arabia
Notable destinations on Air Arabia's network.
G9SharjahdirectG9AhmedabaddirectG9Al-NajafdirectG9AlmatydirectG9AmmandirectG9AsyutdirectG9BeirutdirectG9BengalurudirectG9BuraydahdirectG9ChennaidirectG9ChittagongdirectG9CoimbatoredirectDestination list is indicative of Air Arabia's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from United Arab Emirates
Other airlines based in United Arab Emirates
FAQ
Air Arabia — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Air Arabia applies size and weight limits to cabin baggage, and the applicable allowance should be confirmed on the booking and the airline’s baggage page. Personal-item and infant allowances may be subject to separate conditions.
- Air Arabia’s primary hub is Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates. Sharjah is also its busiest departure airport by number of routes.
- Air Arabia fares are often lowest when booked ahead for travel outside school holidays, major festivals and other peak periods. Compare different dates and include the cost of baggage, meals and seat selection when assessing the final price.
- Air Arabia serves destinations across the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia. Its network includes Ahmedabad, Al-Najaf, Almaty, Amman, Asyut, Beirut, Bengaluru, Chennai, Chittagong and Coimbatore.
- The busiest departure airports by number of Air Arabia routes are Sharjah, Almaty, Ahmedabad, Amman and Asyut, in that order. Sharjah remains the airline’s principal hub.
- Air Arabia’s longest route is Chittagong to Sharjah, covering about 3,698 km nonstop. Scheduling can vary, so travellers should confirm operating dates before booking.
- Air Arabia serves exactly 50 destinations across 25 countries. It operates 98 routes within that network.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.