News & Media — Air Arabia
News & Media
 

Air Arabia (PJSC), the first and largest budget carrier operator in the Middle East and North Africa, today announced its financial and operational results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2026.

Air Arabia reported a net profit of AED 278 million for the first quarter ending March 31, 2026, representing a 22 percent decline compared to AED 355 million recorded in the same period last year. This drop was driven by the impact of the ongoing conflict in the region, which resulted in a sharp reduction in capacity due to airspace closures and temporary operational restrictions.

The airline recorded a turnover of AED 1.8 billion during the first quarter of 2026, marking a 1 percent increase compared to the corresponding quarter in 2025. During the same period, Air Arabia carried 4.7 million passengers across its operating hubs, a 5 percent decrease compared to the same quarter last year, while the average seat load factor—passengers carried as a percentage of available seats—rose to 86 percent, up 2 percentage points year-on-year. This growth in revenue and seat load factor reflects strong demand for Air Arabia's services during the first quarter, despite the operational impact and reduced flight capacity in March.

First Quarter 2026 Performance:

AED Q1 2026 Q1 2025 %
Revenue AED 1.8 billion AED 1.779 billion 1%
Passenger Numbers*all hubs* 4.7 million 4.9 million (5%)
Seat load Factor 86% 84% 2%
Net Profit AED 278 million AED 355 million (22%)

Commenting on the results, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said: "Despite a challenging first quarter of the year, marked by airspace restrictions and operational disruptions as a result of the conflict in the region, Air Arabia demonstrated strong resilience and agility in responding to rapidly evolving conditions. Our ability to optimize capacity and maintain operational continuity enabled us to effectively manage the impact during this ongoing critical period."

He added: "Despite these challenges, we are pleased to have delivered a solid first-quarter performance, supported by continued strong passenger demand across our network wherever we operated. This reflects the strength of our multi-hub business model, our disciplined cost management, and our ongoing focus on operational efficiency and service excellence."

During the first quarter of 2026, Air Arabia operated a fleet of 90 owned and leased Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft across its hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan. Additional aircraft are scheduled for delivery throughout the year as part of the airline's existing Airbus order book.

In February, Air Arabia was also recognized among Forbes Middle East's Top 100 Most Valuable Companies 2026, underscoring its continued financial strength and operational performance.

In line with its commitment to advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, the airline obtained a Limited Assurance Statement on its 2025 ESG Report, conducted in accordance with the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000. This achievement reinforces Air Arabia's commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable long-term growth.

Al Thani concluded: "Looking ahead, ongoing uncertainty continues to weigh on airline operations across the region and globally, driving fuel price volatility, inflationary costs, and pressure on global supply chains, trade, and logistics. Despite these challenges, we remain confident in the strength of the local and regional economies we serve and will continue to navigate this environment with discipline and agility, while delivering exceptional value to our customers."

 

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capital's first budget carrier, celebrated the commencement of its non-stop service to Amman City Airport (ADJ), marking its growing presence in the Jordanian capital.

Operating three times per week, the new service marks a key milestone in the airline's expansion in Jordan, introducing its second airport in Amman from Abu Dhabi, underscoring Air Arabia's commitment to offering customers convenient and value-driven travel options.

Inaugural ceremonies took place at both Zayed International Airport and Amman City Airport in the presence of airline representatives and airport officials. The inaugural flight was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival in Amman.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi operates a modern fleet of 12 Airbus A320 aircraft, the world's most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft. Offering passengers, a value-added onboard experience, the aircraft is equipped with 'SkyTime', Air Arabia's complementary in-flight streaming service, and 'SkyCafe', its onboard menu. Passengers can also benefit from 'Air Rewards', the most generous loyalty program in the region.

Customers can now book their direct flights between the two cities by visiting Air Arabia's website, by calling the call centre, or through travel agencies.

 

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capital's first budget carrier, today announced the launch of its new non-stop service to Amman City Airport (ADJ), in Jordan.

The new route will commence on May 1, 2026, with three weekly flights operating between Zayed International Airport and Amman City Airport, offering customers convenient and affordable travel options between the two cities.

The newly added service marks the second airport in Jordan served by Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, complementing the airline's existing operations to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.

Flight schedule, starting from May 1, 2026 (all times local):

Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency
3L 138 Abu Dhabi 17:40 Amman 19:50 Wednesday/Friday/Sunday
3L 139 Amman 20:30 Abu Dhabi 00:30 Wednesday/Friday/Sunday

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia said: "We are pleased to expand our presence in Jordan with the launch of our new service to Amman City Airport. This addition reflects our ongoing commitment to provide our customers with greater choice and convenience when traveling between the UAE and Jordan. By serving two airports in the Jordanian capital, we aim to further support travel, tourism, and trade between the two countries."

With this addition, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi enhances its Jordan network with daily flights to Queen Alia International Airport and three weekly services to Amman Civil Airport, raising total connectivity to ten weekly flights and providing greater flexibility for its customers.

This route complements Air Arabia Group's wider network between the UAE and Jordan, with Amman also accessible via non-stop flights from Sharjah International Airport.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi operates a modern fleet of 12 Airbus A320 aircraft, the world's most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft. Offering passengers, a value-added onboard experience, the aircraft is equipped with 'SkyTime', Air Arabia's complementary in-flight streaming service, and 'SkyCafe', its onboard menu. Passengers can also benefit from 'Air Rewards', the most generous loyalty program in the region.

Customers can now book their direct flights between the two cities by visiting Air Arabia's website, by calling the call centre, or through travel agencies.

 

Air Arabia (PJSC) (DFM:AIRARABIA) shareholders approved the distribution of 30 percent cash dividend for the financial year ending December 31, 2025 at the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM). The dividend, which is equivalent to 30 fils per share, reflects the airline's strong financial performance and sustained growth.

The Board of Directors' recommendation follows the airline's robust results for the year ending December 31, 2025, during which the airline reported record net profit before tax of AED 1.8 billion, marking a 14 percent increase compared to 2024.

During the AGM, the report of Air Arabia's auditors, balance sheet, as well as profit and loss accounts were approved by the assembly for the year ending December 31, 2025.

Furthermore, the Board of Directors and auditors of the company were discharged from liability for the financial year ending December 31, 2025, while auditors for the next fiscal year were appointed and their remuneration fixed. The assembly also elected the board of directors for the next three years.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said: "Air Arabia's performance in 2025 marks the strongest year in the Group's history, reflecting the strength of our business model and the dedication of our people. During the year, we continued to expand our network, launched new routes across key markets, and increased our operating capacity to meet growing demand for value-driven air travel".

In 2025, Air Arabia expanded its global network with the addition of 30 new routes across its six operating hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan. During the year, the carrier took delivery of 5 brand-new aircraft and added nine aircraft to support its continued growth and network expansion. The airline ended the year with a fleet of 90 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft serving over 220 routes across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

He concluded: "Despite the current geopolitical situation and its impact on the global economy and regional aviation, we remain confident in the fundamentals of our industry, the strength of our business model, and the strategy we continue to pursue. Most importantly, we have full confidence in our people and in our ability to navigate the current challenges while continuing to deliver value to our customers and shareholders."

Book flight
Book your next adventure to over 206 destinations. Fly with us and make your travel hassle-free.
Contact us
Got any question? Please don't hesitate to contact us or go through our FAQs section to quickly find answers to common question.
Destinations
We fly you to over 206 destinations spread across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe.