UAE’s Air Arabia to double...

Low-cost carrier to offer twice-daily flights from October

Air Arabia, the Middle East’s largest low-cost carrier, will expand its service between Sharjah and the Maldives, doubling non-stop daily flights to the Indian Ocean archipelago just a year after launch.

This comes as data reveals the Maldives is among the most booked destinations for UAE travellers in 2025, especially for shorter breaks during Eid holidays.

Starting 27 October 2025, twice-daily direct flights will connect Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) in the UAE with Velana International Airport (VIA) in Malé.

The first service will depart SHJ at 8:00, arriving at VIA at 13:20, with the return flight departing VIA at 14:20 and landing at SHJ at 17:55. The second service will leave SHJ at 01:55, arriving in VIA at 07:20. The return flight leaves VIA at 08:20, landing in SHJ at 11:55.

Adel Al Ali, Group CEO at Air Arabia, said the step to double flights reflects the "growing demand for air travel to this popular destination".

Also catering to demand from the UAE, premium business airline Beond recently announced plans to connect Abu Dhabi with the Maldives, following the launch of its Dubai-Malé route in April 2024.

Air Arabia saw profits soar 34% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with passenger numbers rising 11% to 4.9 million. This follows a record year for the UAE-based airline in 2024 as the airline added 31 new routes to its network.

Looking ahead, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said the airline was focused on "expanding connectivity, exploring new market opportunities and delivering a seamless, value-driven travel experience to our customers".

For more information visit www.airarabia.com

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