London Gatwick Airport. Photo: Shutterstock
Gatwick adds new Air Arabia route to Sharjah. London Gatwick is adding another link to the Middle East, this time with a twice-daily service to Sharjah operated by Air Arabia. The only direct connection between the UK and Sharjah is scheduled to begin on March 29, 2026. The route will use Airbus A321LR aircraft and will push Gatwick’s total weekly flights to the region to around 80, which shows just how strong demand has become.
During the summer, Gatwick reported a 22.7% rise in passengers travelling to the Middle East, and several airlines have been expanding their presence to keep up. Wizz Air added its new XLR flights to Medina and Jeddah, Qatar Airways moved to larger 787-9s on its Doha service, Saudia increased its new Neom Bay schedule, and Gulf Air completed a busy first summer operating to Bahrain.
Jonathan Pollard, London Gatwick’s Chief Commercial Officer, said the growth has been noticeable. “Demand for flights to destinations across the Middle East has really taken off this year and we have been delighted to offer passengers across London and the South East an increasingly fantastic range of routes and choice of carriers.”
He also pointed to the airport’s recent momentum, including the government’s approval for regular use of the Northern Runway. “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.”
For Air Arabia, the new service is a meaningful step. Adel Al Ali, the airline’s Group Chief Executive Officer, framed it as part of a larger expansion push. “The launch of our new service to London Gatwick marks a significant milestone in Air Arabia’s ongoing growth journey. This expansion reflects our continued commitment to connecting our key markets with greater reach and convenience while delivering the value-driven travel experience Air Arabia is known for.”
He added that the route broadens the airline’s reach from its Sharjah hub. “The introduction of London Gatwick not only enhances connectivity from our Sharjah hub but reflects our commitment to offering customers, whether travelling for business or leisure, a greater choice of affordable and reliable air travel options.”
The Sharjah launch comes as Gatwick prepares for an even busier 2026. Jet2 will start operating from the airport next March with 29 routes, German carrier Condor is readying a three-times-daily Frankfurt service, and Skybus has already begun flying between Gatwick and Cornwall Airport Newquay.