Air Arabia launches daily flights between Male’ and UAE’s Sharjah

Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, launched daily non-stop flights to the Maldives on Sunday, connecting the Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the Velana International Airport in Male’.

Air Arabia’s new route opens up seamless connections to over 100 destinations worldwide via Sharjah, further enhancing the accessibility of the Maldives to international travelers.

Dual ceremonies were held at both Sharjah and Male’ to celebrate the occasion.

The inaugural flight was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute upon its arrival at Velana International Airport on Sunday afternoon, followed by a reception ceremony attended by senior representatives from Air Arabia and the respective airport authorities.

Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, described the launch of daily flights to the Maldives as an important milestone in the airline’s network expansion.

“We are thrilled to offer our passengers direct access to this tropical paradise, while also connecting them to over 100 global destinations via our hub in Sharjah. This route reflects our continued commitment to offering affordable and value-driven air travel, making new destinations more accessible for everyone,” he said.

The new service is operated by Air Arabia’s modern Airbus A320 aircraft, renowned for its comfort and reliability. Passengers can enjoy an enhanced onboard experience, including SkyTime—Air Arabia’s free in-flight streaming service—and SkyCafe, which offers a variety of affordable meal options. Additionally, Air Arabia’s loyalty program, Air Rewards, allows passengers to earn and redeem points on every journey.

The launch of this direct service provides Maldivian travelers with access to a vast network of over 100 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. The airline’s commitment to affordability, Islamic-friendly services such as Halal food and prayer facilities, and convenient transit options at Sharjah International Airport make it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers from the Maldives.

Mohamed Riyaz, CEO of Lets Go Maldives, welcomed the new route, describing it as a transformative moment for Maldives tourism.

“By connecting the Maldives with over 100 destinations via Sharjah, we are strengthening our global reach and promoting the Maldives as a world-class destination. We are excited to partner with Air Arabia in making travel more accessible and supporting the continued growth of our tourism industry,” he said.

Bassam Adam, COO of Lets Go Maldives, said the new route is not only a boon for Maldivian travelers but also enhances the company’s outbound travel opportunities.

“Air Arabia’s commitment to affordable, family-friendly travel perfectly aligns with our mission to provide seamless and reliable travel experiences. We believe this partnership will create new travel possibilities and further elevate the Maldives as a top global destination,” he said.

Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), expressed excitement about the partnership.

“The direct connection to Sharjah will significantly boost tourist arrivals from the Middle Eastern market and beyond. As we strengthen our position in the global aviation sector, the addition of Air Arabia to our growing network of airlines is a positive step for the Maldives and our tourism sector,” he said.