Air Arabia chief wins top airline leadership award in London
Adel Al Ali recognised for transforming budget travel across Middle East and Africa
SHARJAH/LONDON – Air Arabia Group Chief Executive Officer Adel Al Ali has received the Executive Leadership for Africa and the Middle East award at the Airline Strategy Awards 2026, recognising his contribution to reshaping the aviation industry across the region.
The honour was presented at the prestigious awards ceremony held in London on Sunday.
The recognition comes as the UAE airline continues to build on record financial results and expand its international network.
Airline Strategy Awards
Now in its 22nd edition, the Airline Strategy Awards are regarded among the aviation industry's most respected honours. Organised by FlightGlobal in partnership with Korn Ferry, the awards celebrate exceptional leadership, strategic vision and contributions to global aviation. Winners are selected by an independent panel of leading aviation experts.
The award recognises Adel Al Ali's leadership, long-term vision and role in transforming the aviation landscape across the Middle East and Africa. Since founding Air Arabia in October 2003, he has led the airline's rise as the pioneer of the low-cost carrier model in the Arab world, making affordable air travel accessible to hundreds of millions of passengers.
Accepting the honour, Al Ali described the recognition as a tribute to the commitment and dedication of the entire Air Arabia team. He said the airline has remained focused for more than two decades on expanding access to air travel while building a resilient and sustainable business that creates long-term value for customers, shareholders and the communities it serves. He added that the award reflects the company's journey so far and provides further motivation to continue innovating and supporting the sustainable growth of the aviation industry.
Air Arabia’s growth
Under Al Ali's leadership, Air Arabia has grown into the Middle East and North Africa's largest budget airline operator. The group now serves more than 200 destinations across over 50 countries through operating hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Pakistan.
The airline has played an important role in improving regional connectivity, supporting tourism and economic development, and strengthening aviation links across the markets in which it operates.
Record momentum
The latest recognition follows Air Arabia's strongest financial and operational performance to date. In 2025, the group reported a record net profit of Dh1.8 billion and turnover of Dh7.78 billion. It also expanded its network by launching nearly 30 new routes during the year while continuing investment in its future fleet through an existing order for 120 Airbus A320 Family aircraft.
We’re excited to welcome Air Arabia to London Gatwick, with the launch of a new twice-daily service to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. ✈️
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) July 6, 2026
The route adds both a new airline and destination to our growing network, with more than 230 destinations available from London Gatwick this… pic.twitter.com/2aCPQAprHK
The airline has maintained its expansion strategy throughout 2026 despite an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment. Most recently, Air Arabia introduced new non-stop services from its Sharjah hub to London Gatwick and Rome Fiumicino, further strengthening its international network and reinforcing its position as the region's leading low-cost carrier.