Air Arabia is set to make history next spring with the introduction of its first-ever passenger service from Sharjah to the UK, adding a new connection between the UAE and London.
Beginning March 29, 2026, the low-cost carrier will launch a double-daily service to London Gatwick, expanding travel options for passengers heading to the UAE’s northern emirates and nearby Dubai.
Air Arabia Unveils Milestone Sharjah-UK Route
The route, announced on November 24, comes after Air Arabia secured slots for the highly anticipated service earlier this year.
While slot allocations do not always translate into active routes, the airline has confirmed its commitment to the launch, marking one of the most significant expansions in its 20-year history.
“The introduction of London Gatwick not only enhances connectivity from our Sharjah hub but reflects our commitment to offering customers, whether traveling for business or leisure, a greater choice affordable and reliable air travel options. We look forward to welcoming travelers onboard and providing them with direct access between the UAE and the United Kingdom,” stated Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia.
Air Arabia’s Longest Route Set for Takeoff
The new Sharjah-Gatwick connection will become Air Arabia’s longest flight, with a scheduled duration of 7 hours and 50 minutes.
The service narrowly surpasses the carrier’s Kuala Lumpur route in block time, though it covers slightly less distance.
To operate the flights, Air Arabia will deploy its 215-seat Airbus A321LR, configured in a single-class layout.
Passengers can expect the airline’s standard low-cost offering, including paid meals, luggage options and the ability to stream entertainment on personal devices.
Despite its budget model, launching a long-haul service of this scale highlights Air Arabia’s confidence in demand.
Next summer, carriers from the UAE are expected to offer up to 23 daily flights to London, though only two of those will be operated by Air Arabia.
A Major Boost for Budget Travel to Dubai
Sharjah’s proximity to Dubai gives travelers a more affordable gateway into one of the world’s most visited cities.
Data from the 12 months ending September 2025 shows nearly 1.9 million non-connecting passengers flew between the UAE and London, underscoring massive demand for direct services.
The double-daily frequency is also designed to support connections across Air Arabia’s extensive network.
“It is an exciting time for another operator to join London Gatwick following the recent government approval for routine use of our Northern Runway and we look forward to welcoming Air Arabia in March, serving the historic city of Sharjah and the wider Middle Eastern region,” stated Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick.
Many destinations in the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia will benefit from smooth two-way links via Sharjah, making the route attractive not only for point-to-point passengers but also for transit travelers.
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