Major Europe Expansion: Air Arabia Adds Nonstop Rome Flights from July

Budget carrier Air Arabia continues its steady push into Europe, this time with a brand-new nonstop connection between Sharjah and Rome. Starting July 1, 2026, travelers will be able to fly directly between Sharjah International Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport, giving passengers another affordable option between the UAE and Italy.

Air Arabia. Photo: Oleksandr Naumenko / Shutterstock

The new service will operate daily, making Rome the airline’s second destination in Italy alongside its existing Milan-Bergamo route. The flights will be operated using the Airbus A320neo, one of the newest aircraft in Air Arabia’s fleet, known for lower fuel consumption and quieter cabins.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: “We are pleased to further expand our European footprint with the launch of daily flights to Rome, one of the world’s most iconic and culturally significant cities. Expanding our presence in Italy reflects our continued commitment to offering convenient, direct connectivity to key international destinations while delivering reliable, value-driven travel options to our customers”.

The addition of Rome is a strategic move. Italy remains one of the most popular European destinations for travelers from the Gulf, whether for tourism, business, or family visits. Rome, in particular, continues to attract millions of visitors each year with its mix of history, culture, and food.

Airport officials in Rome also welcomed the new route. Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer of Aeroporti di Roma, said: “We are pleased to welcome Air Arabia, a new carrier that will connect Rome to the United Arab Emirates. The new service to Sharjah will further expand and diversify the offering to the Arabian Peninsula, reaffirming the strategic importance of the Roman market and strengthening Fiumicino’s international standing as a Skytrax 5 Star Airport and Best Airport in Europe for the past nine consecutive years, thanks to the quality of the services offered to our passengers”.

Flight Schedule

- Flight G9 0668 departs Sharjah at 07:55 and arrives in Rome at 12:35 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

- Flight G9 0669 leaves Rome at 13:35 and lands in Sharjah at 21:40 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

- Flight G9 0662 departs Sharjah at 16:20 and arrives in Rome at 21:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

- Flight G9 0663 leaves Rome at 22:00 and arrives in Sharjah at 06:05 the next day on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.