Air Arabia to launch new Airbus A321LR route between Sharjah and London Gatwick next spring
November 24, 2025
Air Arabia has confirmed plans to launch a new double-daily service between Sharjah and London Gatwick next spring, operated by its Airbus A321LR aircraft.
Air Arabia to provide new UAE–UK link from Gatwick
In its announcement, the Sharjah-based low-cost carrier described the London move as a major step in its network growth.
“The launch of our new service to London Gatwick marks a significant milestone in Air Arabia’s ongoing growth journey,” said Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. “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 carrier intends the new route to strengthen its global footprint from Sharjah International Airport and support growing travel and trade flows between the UAE and the UK.
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Sharjah–Gatwick double-daily flight schedule
The new service will operate twice daily in each direction from March 29, 2026, offering 14 weekly flights on the Sharjah–Gatwick route.
| Flight | From | Departure (local) | To | Arrival (local) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G9 265 | Sharjah (SHJ) | 03:55 | London Gatwick (LGW) | 08:45 | Daily |
| G9 258 | Sharjah (SHJ) | 13:45 | London Gatwick (LGW) | 18:35 | Daily |
| G9 266 | London Gatwick (LGW) | 10:05 | Sharjah (SHJ) | 20:20 | Daily |
| G9 259 | London Gatwick (LGW) | 19:35 | Sharjah (SHJ) | 05:50 (+1) | Daily |
Inside the Air Arabia A321neo LR
Air Arabia will deploy its Airbus A321neo LR fleet on the route. The airline operates a single-type Airbus narrowbody fleet, comprising 41 A320-200s, five A320neos, three A321-200s, and six A321neos.
The airline’s A321neo LR can accommodate 215 passengers in an all-economy class configuration. The cabin features 17.7”-wide Collins Aerospace Meridian slimline seats, set 30.5” apart, with a 35” pitch in row 17.
Each seat is equipped with an adjustable headrest, a flip-down device holder and a USB-A socket to keep devices charged. The airline offers ‘SkyTime’ wireless in-flight entertainment service and ‘SkyCafe’ buy-on-board menu.
Gatwick gains its first direct link to Sharjah
Air Arabia’s operation will be the only direct service between the UK and Sharjah.
“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,” said Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick.
“It is an exciting time for another operator to join London Gatwick following the recent government approval for routine use of our Northern Runway.”
The UK government approved Gatwick Airport’s £2.2 billion Northern Runway Project in September. It will bring the airport’s standby northern runway into routine use, increasing capacity at London’s second-busiest airport. After the government’s announcement, Stewart Wingate, VINCI Airports Managing Director, said the project “will unlock significant growth, tourism and trade benefits for London Gatwick.”
The announcement of Air Arabia’s new service follows other recent service additions. Condor Airlines will launch three daily flights between Frankfurt and Gatwick next summer. Jet2 will offer flights and package holidays from Gatwick to popular destinations, including Spain, Greece and Turkey, beginning next spring. To support its holiday flights, Jet2 will base five Airbus A321neos at the airport.
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Featured Image: Air Arabia
