• Air Arabia will operate the only direct service between the UK and Sharjah, UAE, from 29 March 2026
• London Gatwick reported a 22.7% increase in passengers flying to the Middle East this summer
• The airport will offer 80 flights per week to Middle East destinations across the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next summer

London Gatwick is offering more connectivity to the Middle East with the launch of twice-daily flights to Sharjah, operated by Air Arabia – the only direct service between this United Arab Emirates destination and the UK.

Starting 29 March 2026, the new route will operate on Airbus A321LR aircraft, increasing the total weekly flights between London Gatwick and the Middle East to 80.

Connectivity to the Middle East is in high demand from London Gatwick, with the airport reporting a 22.7% increase in passenger numbers this summer*. Multiple carriers have increased capacity to the region, with Wizz Air launching its XLR services to Medina and Jeddah, Qatar Airways operating larger 787-9 aircraft to Doha, Saudia increasing frequency of its new Neom Bay route and Gulf Air delivering strong numbers on its first summer at London Gatwick, operating to Bahrain.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said: “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.

“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.”

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia said: “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.

“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. We look forward to welcoming travellers onboard and providing them with direct access between the UAE and the United Kingdom.”

London Gatwick recently announced Jet2 – one of the UK’s largest airlines – will start flying from the airport in March 2026, with 29 routes on offer. German carrier Condor has also secured slots and will be flying three times a day to Frankfurt from next April, while Skybus now connects passengers between London Gatwick and Cornwall Airport Newquay.