Air Arabia soars with 16% profit rise and 12 new routes in 2025
Sharjah-based carrier reports double-digit growth in passengers and revenue
SHARJAH – Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s largest low-cost carrier, has reported record financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025, driven by strong passenger demand and network expansion.
The airline’s net profit for the quarter ending 30 September 2025 reached Dh656 million, up 16% from the same period last year. Revenue rose 14% to Dh2.04 billion, reflecting the airline’s ability to maintain growth momentum amid ongoing geopolitical and supply chain pressures affecting the aviation industry.
During the quarter, more than 5.9 million passengers travelled across Air Arabia’s hubs, marking a 16% increase year-on-year. The average seat load factor – the percentage of seats filled – climbed by four points to 85%, underscoring the carrier’s operational efficiency and continued strength of its low-cost model.
Sustained growth momentum
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said the record performance reflected the enduring appeal of the airline’s business model and its value-driven approach. He noted that the company’s consistent results were achieved despite regional and global challenges, crediting operational efficiency and disciplined cost management for maintaining strong margins.
For the first nine months of 2025, Air Arabia reported a net profit of Dh1.42 billion, representing a 13% increase over the same period last year. Revenue grew 10% to Dh5.49 billion, while total passenger numbers exceeded 16 million, up 14% year-on-year. The seat load factor remained robust at 85%, up four percentage points from 2024.
Network and fleet expansion
Throughout the first nine months of the year, Air Arabia expanded its operations with 12 new routes launched across its hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan, taking its total network to 212 destinations.
| Dh | 9M 2025 | 9M 2024 | % |
| Revenue | 5.49 billion | 4.98 billion | 10% |
| Passenger Numbers*all hubs* | 16 million | 14 million | 14% |
| Seat Load Factor | 85% | 82% | 4% |
| Net Profit | 1.42 billion | 1.25 billion | 13% |
The carrier also added six aircraft to its fleet, bringing the total to 88 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, all owned or leased. More additions are expected before the end of the year as part of the airline’s long-term growth plan.
In July, a consortium led by Air Arabia, Nesma Group, and KUN was selected by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to establish and operate a new low-cost national carrier based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
Industry recognition
Air Arabia’s success has been reflected in several international accolades. The airline was named among the “Top 20 Low-Cost Airlines for 2025” by AirlineRatings.com and received the title of “Low-Cost Airline of the Year” at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Middle East.
It was also listed among Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Listed Companies for 2025, while Group CEO Adel Al Ali was recognised among the “150 Most Influential Arabs 2025” by Arabian Business.
Additionally, Fly Jinnah, Air Arabia’s Pakistan-based joint venture, was ranked second in punctuality by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), highlighting the group’s operational consistency across markets.
Sustainability initiatives
In the third quarter of 2025, Air Arabia maintained its MSCI ESG “AA” rating, positioning it among the global “Leader” category of airlines for environmental, social, and governance practices. The airline also completed a materiality assessment involving more than 400 stakeholders to identify 12 key sustainability priorities.
| Dh | Q3 2025 | Q3 2024 | % |
| Revenue | 2.04 billion | 1.78 billion | 14% |
| Passenger Numbers*all hubs* | 5.9 million | 5.1 million | 16% |
| Seat Load Factor | 85% | 81% | 4% |
| Net Profit | 656 million | 564 million | 16% |
Air Arabia welcomed its first Airbus A320neo, part of a 120-aircraft order that promises up to 20% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions. The airline continues to implement fuel-saving measures, a paperless cockpit system, and digital transformation across its operations.
CSR and community impact
Through its long-running Charity Cloud initiative, Air Arabia expanded its humanitarian reach by establishing two new medical clinics in Bangladesh and Egypt, providing essential healthcare services to underserved populations. This brings the total number of Charity Cloud facilities to 15 schools and clinics across 12 countries, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to social development.
Sheikh Al Thani added that as the airline moves into the final quarter of 2025, its focus will remain on strengthening operations, expanding routes, and enhancing customer experience through innovation and efficiency.