Is Air Arabia Operating Right Now?
Yes, on an adjusted schedule. Air Arabia is still flying from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Renewed US–Iran escalation in July has hit its Kuwait and southern Saudi routes hardest. Here’s what’s suspended, then what’s still operating.
You can track any flight in real time on the Wego Air Arabia flight tracker or Air Arabia’s flight status page.
Which Routes Are Suspended?
A fresh wave of US strikes on Iran in early July, and Iranian attacks on Gulf targets, have again knocked out Air Arabia’s most exposed routes. Roughly half of its pre-crisis network of more than 100 routes remains offline.
Kuwait
Kuwait International Airport halted take-offs and landings on 18 July after missile and drone threats, and Kuwaiti airspace is restricted — overflights are barred and only flights with prior approval may arrive or depart. The restriction has been extended into early August.
Air Arabia cancelled Sharjah–Kuwait and Abu Dhabi–Kuwait flights on 18–19 July; a few later services were reinstated. No stable resumption date has been confirmed, so check before travelling.
Abha and Southern Saudi Arabia
Sharjah–Abha remains suspended after drone and missile attacks forced closures at Abha and other southern Saudi airports, including Jizan, Najran, and Sharurah, from mid-July. Air Arabia’s Saudi services to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Medina are unaffected (see below).
Other Suspended Routes
Several secondary destinations across India, Pakistan, and Central Asia have not yet been restored. Air Arabia has not published a full list, so verify your specific route on Air Arabia’s flight status page or the Wego Air Arabia tracker before booking.
Which Routes Are Operating?
Air Arabia is flying to around 50 destinations from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, and has been adding capacity where airspace allows. Frequencies vary by route and can change at short notice.
GCC and Middle East
Regional routes form the backbone of current operations. Destinations include:
- Bahrain: Bahrain (operating again after Bahrain reopened its airspace; occasional closures can still cause delays)
- Lebanon: Beirut
- Jordan: Amman
- Iraq: Baghdad and Erbil
- Syria: Damascus
- Saudi Arabia: Jeddah, Riyadh, and Medina (Abha suspended — see above)
- Oman: Muscat and Salalah
- Qatar: Doha
South Asia
India and Pakistan routes are among the busiest on the network. Destinations include:
- India: Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Calicut, Thiruvananthapuram, and Hyderabad
- Pakistan: Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Multan
- Bangladesh: Dhaka and Chittagong
- Nepal: Kathmandu
- Sri Lanka: Colombo
Africa
African routes include Cairo and Alexandria in Egypt, Nairobi in Kenya, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, and Casablanca in Morocco.
Europe and Central Asia
Air Arabia is expanding in Europe, with the twice-daily Sharjah–London Gatwick service — the only direct link between the UK and Sharjah — and a new route to Rome.
It also flies to Istanbul, Athens, and Milan Bergamo, plus Moscow and Baku in the CIS, and Bangkok in Thailand. Some European flights may take longer due to airspace rerouting around the Gulf.
If Your Flight Is Cancelled or Disrupted
If Air Arabia cancels your flight, you’re entitled to one of three options:
- One free date change within 30 days on the same route
- A full credit voucher valid for one year from the date of payment
- A full refund to your original payment method
Process your request through Air Arabia’s Manage Trip page or via WhatsApp. If you booked through a travel agent, contact them directly.
For a full walkthrough of refunds and rebooking, see our Air Arabia flight cancellation guide.
How to Check Your Air Arabia Flight Status
With schedules changing frequently, check your flight before heading to the airport. The most reliable ways:
- Air Arabia’s website: Use the flight status page to search by flight number, route, or date. This is the most up-to-date source.
- Wego flight tracker: The Wego Air Arabia flight tracker gives a quick overview of departures and arrivals.
- WhatsApp: Contact Air Arabia on +971 600 508 001 for quick status updates and booking queries — usually the fastest way to reach the airline.
How to Get Help
- WhatsApp: +971 600 508 001
- Email: [email protected]
- GCAA complaints: gcaa.gov.ae/en/contact-us
The US–Iran ceasefire that held through spring has broken down. Since early July, renewed US strikes on Iran and Iranian attacks on Gulf targets have again disrupted regional aviation and briefly closed some airspace.
The UAE was not targeted and its airports keep operating, so Air Arabia is still flying from its UAE bases. But its schedule stays sensitive to escalation. For the wider picture, see our Middle East flight disruptions live blog. Book flexible fares and check official advisories before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Air Arabia flying right now?
Yes. Air Arabia is operating an adjusted schedule from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. Route availability and frequencies remain subject to change after the renewed US–Iran escalation in July.
Which Air Arabia routes are suspended?
Sharjah–Kuwait and Abu Dhabi–Kuwait were cancelled on 18–19 July while Kuwait’s airspace is restricted, and Sharjah–Abha remains suspended after attacks on southern Saudi airports. Several secondary routes across India, Pakistan, and Central Asia are also offline. Check Air Arabia’s flight status page for your route.
Are Sharjah–Bahrain flights operating again?
Yes. Air Arabia’s Bahrain services resumed after Bahrain reopened its airspace, though occasional short-notice closures can still cause delays. Confirm your flight before travelling.
What happens if my Air Arabia flight is cancelled?
You can choose one free date change within 30 days, a full credit voucher valid for one year, or a full refund to your original payment method. Process your request via Air Arabia’s Manage Trip page or WhatsApp at +971 600 508 001.
Are Air Arabia flights taking longer than usual?
Some routes may have longer flight times due to airspace rerouting around restricted zones in the Gulf. The airline is using approved routing corridors as required by the GCAA.
Is it safe to fly Air Arabia from Sharjah right now?
Sharjah International Airport is open and operating, and the UAE was not targeted in the July attacks on other Gulf states. UAE air traffic continues to run, though airports are on heightened alert. Check your government’s travel advisory for the latest guidance before flying.
Is the US–Iran ceasefire still in effect?
No. The ceasefire that held through spring broke down in early July, followed by renewed US strikes on Iran and Iranian attacks on several Gulf states. With the situation volatile, Air Arabia could suspend more routes. Book flexible fares and monitor official updates.
Sources
- Air Arabia — Flight Status
- Air Arabia — Travel Updates
- Air Arabia — Terms and Conditions: Modifications and Cancellations
- UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
- EASA — Conflict Zone Information Bulletins
- The National — UAE and Kuwait Flight Disruptions (19 July)
- Gulf News — UAE Flight Cancellations and Advisories
- Al Jazeera — Iran Attacks Five Gulf Nations After US Bombing (12 July)
- Qatar Civil Aviation Authority — Airline Partners Resume Flights to HIA
- ICP — Overstay Fine Waiver Announcement
- Wego — Air Arabia Flight Cancellation Guide
- Wego — Is Sharjah Airport Open?
- Wego — Middle East Flight Disruptions Live Blog
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
