Air Arabia is a Sharjah based budget carrier that connects passengers across the globe, with most travelers transiting through its hub. I recently flew Air Arabia from Ras Al Khaimah to Sharjah, a short 90 minute hop that gave me a clear picture of what this low cost carrier offers to South Asian travelers like us.
Watch the full flight review on the Salman Travel Diaries YouTube channel.
The Journey
My flight from Ras Al Khaimah to Sharjah was booked about two weeks in advance. The cabin was full of passengers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, many of them connecting to onward flights. Being a budget airline, Air Arabia doesn't include meals on short routes, but you can purchase food and beverages onboard or add them during booking.
Once I settled into my seat, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort level. The legroom was adequate for a 90 minute flight, and the seats themselves were surprisingly comfortable. What really impressed me was the generous baggage allowance. For a budget carrier, you get a decent amount of baggage capacity even on economy fares, which is a massive advantage if you're a traveler like me who carries quite a bit.
Then there's the entertainment. Air Arabia offers free WiFi connectivity that lets you access Sky Time, their in flight streaming service. This kept me entertained throughout the short flight with movies, shows, and music on demand.
As we approached Sharjah, the views were spectacular. You can see the barges on the water and the Dubai skyline in the distance. The landing was smooth and professional.
What struck me most was the passenger mix. After landing, most of the travelers headed into the transit area to wait for their next flight. Some with valid visas exited the airport to explore Sharjah or Dubai. This is typical for Air Arabia, which operates as a major transit hub for the region.
The Airline: Honest Review
Air Arabia is a Sharjah based low cost carrier that punches above its weight in terms of value and service. The airline operates a modern fleet and maintains consistent punctuality on its regional routes. As a budget airline, it naturally doesn't offer frills like complimentary meals or premium amenities on short haul flights, but what you pay for is honest, no nonsense air travel.
The cabin experience is clean and well maintained. Staff are professional and efficient, though service is minimal by design. The real strength of Air Arabia is its value proposition. You get decent seat comfort, reasonable legroom, generous baggage allowance, and free WiFi with streaming access. For a 90 minute flight on a budget airline, this is solid. The airline is perfect for budget conscious travelers and families who don't mind skipping meals on short hops.
Punctuality is generally reliable, and the carrier maintains good safety standards. If you're a transit passenger, Air Arabia's hub in Sharjah is well organized and efficient. The airline has built a reputation for being dependable and transparent about what you're getting for your money.
Ratings
- Excellent baggage allowance for a budget airline at economy fares
- Free WiFi with Sky Time in flight streaming service for entertainment
- Comfortable seats with adequate legroom for short regional flights
- Good punctuality and reliable service on regional routes
- Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
- No complimentary meals on short haul flights, must purchase onboard
- Limited food and beverage options compared to full service carriers
The Verdict
Air Arabia is an excellent choice for budget conscious travelers on regional routes across the Middle East and South Asia. If you're transiting through Sharjah or flying short routes and don't mind skipping meals, this carrier offers genuine value and reliability. I would recommend Air Arabia to anyone looking for affordable, no nonsense air travel without sacrificing comfort.
