UAE domestic operators expand global network to 603 destinations by Q1 2024

UAE domestic airlines have witnessed significant growth in their destination network. At the end of the first quarter of 2024, they reached approximately 603 destinations around the world, compared to 586 at the end of 2023.

This 3 percent increase reflects the recovery of the aviation sector and meets the growing demand for travel. This expansion further strengthens the UAE’s position as a preferred global destination for tourism and business.

These national airlines have consistently outperformed many of their regional and global counterparts. They stand out not only for the number of destinations offered but also in terms of operational performance and the quality of services provided to travelers. This success is due to their broad base of experience and their proven ability to transform challenges into opportunities. With this track record, they are well positioned for continued growth, contributing to the overall revival of the UAE aviation sector.

For a more detailed breakdown, Emirates Airlines It currently leads the group with 143 destinations. Flydubai is close behind with 129, while Air Arabia has an impressive network of 215 destinations. Etihad Airlines offers service to 76 destinations, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi serves 29 and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi serves approximately 40 destinations. These airlines operate from strategically located operational centers in the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Egypt, Armenia and Pakistan.

Etihad Airlines

Etihad Airlines has demonstrated significant growth, expanding to around 76 destinations by the end of the first quarter of 2024. With ambitious goals, they aim to exceed 125 destinations by 2030, taking advantage of its strategic location as a bridge between Asia and Europe. The airline aims to serve more than 33 million passengers a year. Taking advantage of a successful year 2023, in which 15 new destinations were launched, etihad plans to add 5 to 6 more in 2024, including scheduled flights to Boston. Additionally, they will enhance their network with seasonal and frequency increases to destinations such as Antalya, Thiruvananthapuram, Amman and Jaipur, while strengthening their presence in key cities such as Cairo, Karachi and Colombo with additional flights.

Emirates Airlines

Emirates Airlines operates an extensive network covering 143 destinations on six continents, comprising 134 passenger destinations and 9 cargo destinations. They prioritize increasing seating capacity to meet growing travel demand and offer flexibility to travelers connecting through Dubai. Recent improvements include the addition of 3 weekly flights to Seoul and the introduction of Premium Economy Class on routes to São Paulo and Tokyo. Emirates will further expand its reach in South America with daily service to Bogotá, Colombia, starting June 3, becoming its fourth gateway in the region alongside São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. In total, Emirates serves 19 destinations in the Americas, including the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.

aerial arabia

He AirArabia Group operates an extensive network connecting approximately 215 destinations from strategic operational centers in the United Arab Emirates (Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah), including 115 destinations. Additionally, they serve 74 destinations from operational centers in Morocco, 20 destinations in Egypt and 6 destinations in Pakistan. aerial arabia will introduce direct flights from Sharjah to Krakow, Poland, starting June 29, 2024, facilitating daily connections between Sharjah International Airport and John Paul II International Airport. Additionally, the airline will resume flights between Sharjah and Jazan, Saudi Arabia, offering three weekly flights starting June 4, linking Sharjah International Airport with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi continues to improve Abu Dhabi’s connectivity with the world, offering direct flights to 29 destinations. It continues its expansion plans and commitment to meeting customer needs by expanding its global network to provide broader travel options backed by added value to contribute to the growth of the travel and tourism sector in the UAE.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi

“Wizz Air Abu Dhabi” has expanded its destination network to 40 destinations at the end of the first quarter of this year, continuing to expand its operations to meet growing levels of demand by improving its modern and sustainable fleet, reinforcing the company’s ambitious plans to launch flights to new destinations.

News source: Emirates News Agency