British travellers seeking winter sun have a new budget option, as Air Arabia announces its first ever UK route. The low-cost carrier will connect London Gatwick with Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, creating the longest budget airline route departing from Britain.
Route Details and Pricing
The new service, announced on Tuesday 25 November 2025, will cover a substantial 3,408 miles. Passengers can expect a flight time of approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes aboard an Airbus A321 aircraft.
While the headline fare of £417 is attractive, travellers should note this is a strictly no-frills offering. The ticket price does not include complimentary catering, checked baggage, inflight entertainment, or alcohol. This model is typical for budget carriers but is notable for a journey of this length.
A New Era for Budget Long-Haul
The use of an Airbus A321, an aircraft more commonly associated with shorter European journeys, underscores the no-frills nature of this new long-haul route. This represents a significant expansion of the budget airline model into longer-distance travel from the UK.
Adel Al Ali, Air Arabia's Group Chief Executive, stated that the expansion is designed to provide "affordable and reliable air travel choices" between the UAE and the UK. This move potentially opens up the UAE to a new segment of price-conscious tourists from the London area.
What This Means for Travellers
The launch poses a key question for holidaymakers: how far are you willing to travel on a budget airline? The prospect of a nearly eight-hour flight without standard inclusive amenities may appeal to those prioritising cost, but could be a deterrent for others.
This new route from London Gatwick provides direct access to Sharjah, which is a short drive from Dubai, offering a potentially cheaper gateway to the popular emirate. It signals a growing trend of low-cost carriers competing on longer routes traditionally dominated by full-service airlines.
