New Gatwick–Sharjah Flights Bring the UAE Closer in 2026
London Gatwick has confirmed that Air Arabia will begin operating the only direct flights between the UK and Sharjah on 29 March 2026. The service will run twice a day on Airbus A321LR aircraft, giving passengers a direct connection to the third-largest emirate of the UAE. With this addition, the airport’s weekly schedule to Middle Eastern destinations will reach 80 flights across several major hubs in the region.
The announcement follows a clear rise in interest for travel to the Middle East, shown in Gatwick’s 22.7% increase in passengers heading to the region this summer. A number of airlines have already added more services in response to the growing interest. Wizz Air recently added flights to Medina and Jeddah, Qatar Airways has begun using larger 787-9 aircraft for Doha, while Saudia and Gulf Air have strengthened their presence with extra services and increased loads.
“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."
Air Arabia notes that the new route will offer a steady, twice-daily connection throughout the year, giving passengers a direct link to the airline’s main hub in Sharjah. Once there, people can switch easily to other destinations across the region. With this addition, Gatwick strengthens its role as a key airport for those heading towards the UAE and nearby countries.
The Sharjah service also widens the list of places that are now easier to reach. The route provides direct access to Sharjah’s heritage areas, Dubai’s waterfront neighbourhoods, and the UAE’s desert regions. It also offers shorter onward journeys through Air Arabia’s network, making trips to Oman, Bahrain, and parts of northern India more practical than before.
The update highlights Gatwick’s continued work on expanding long-haul access, especially towards destinations that have seen stronger demand in recent seasons. With the Sharjah flights in place, people get an easier link into the Gulf without extra connections or complicated routing. The new service also adds a steady option for anyone planning trips to the UAE or nearby regions, giving the UK a clearer and more practical connection to one of the area’s key cultural and commercial centres.