Air Arabia reported a 47% year-on-year decline in net profit to AED 757 million for the first 9 months of 2026, while revenue increased 2% to AED 5.81 billion, compared with AED 5.71 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.
The UAE-based low-cost airline group carried 14.4 million passengers across its operating hubs between January and September 2026, down 10% year-on-year, while maintaining a seat load factor of 83%.
The results came amid continued regional conflict, higher operating costs and fuel price volatility, alongside ongoing supply chain challenges.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said the airline's focus on operational efficiency, cost control and network development had supported its performance despite the challenging regional and global economic environment.
Air Arabia Q3 Net Profit Declines 42% to AED 383 Million
In the third quarter of 2026, Air Arabia recorded net profit of AED 383 million, a decline of 42% compared with the same period last year, despite a 10% increase in revenue to AED 2.31 billion.
The airline carried more than 5.7 million passengers across its operating hubs during the July–September period, down 3% year-on-year, while its seat load factor stood at 82%.
Sheikh Abdullah said Air Arabia had remained profitable for the third consecutive quarter of 2026, despite the impact of regional conflict on economic and commercial activity, rising operating costs, fuel price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.
He attributed the airline's continued profitability to revenue growth and sustained demand for its services.
Air Arabia Network Expands to 224 Destinations
Air Arabia Group added 14 new destinations across its operating hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia during the first nine months of 2026, bringing its total network to 224 destinations.
The group also added 10 aircraft during the period, expanding its fleet to 100 owned and leased Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.
The fleet and network expansion forms part of Air Arabia's strategy to increase its operating capacity and strengthen its presence across existing and new markets.
New Saudi Low-Cost Airline Begins Operations from Dammam
A new Saudi low-cost airline established by a consortium led by Air Arabia, alongside Nesma Group and KUN Holding, began operations from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on 20 September 2026.
The new airline launched domestic flights to three Saudi cities: Jeddah, Madinah and Riyadh.
Operations commenced after the carrier received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
The development expanded the consortium's presence in the Saudi aviation market, adding a new operating hub to the group's wider network.
Fleet Investment and Network Expansion
Sheikh Abdullah said Air Arabia would continue investing in its fleet and pursuing measured network expansion during the remainder of 2026, while maintaining financial discipline and focusing on operational efficiency.
The airline also reported receiving the 2026 Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline in the Middle East and North Africa award from World Finance magazine.
Air Arabia highlighted the continued activities of its Charity Cloud initiative, launched in 2007. The programme has supported 168 projects across 27 countries, benefiting more than 450,000 people through healthcare, education and other humanitarian initiatives.
