Sharjah: Air Arabia (PJSC), the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier, today announced its financial and operational results for the first half of 2026.
For the six months ended 30 June 2026, Air Arabia reported a net profit of AED 374 million, 51 percent lower than the corresponding period in 2025, while revenues declined 1 percent to AED 3.48 billion, compared with AED 3.52 billion last year.

During the period, more than 8.7 million passengers travelled across the Group’s operating hubs, a 14 percent decline compared with the first half of 2025, reflecting reduced operating capacity resulting from the ongoing regional conflict. Despite these challenges, the airline maintained a strong average seat load factor —passengers carried as a percentage of available seats— of 83 percent, demonstrating continued resilience in demand across its network.

Second quarter 2026 performance

For the second quarter ended 30 June 2026, Air Arabia reported a net profit of AED 96 million, 77 percent lower than the net profit registered in the second quarter last year, while revenues declined 3 percent to AED 1.68 billion.

During the quarter, the airline carried more than 3.9 million passengers across its operating hubs, a 23 percent decline year-on-year reflecting the reduced operating capacity, while maintaining a strong average seat load factor of 81 percent.

Impact of regional conflict on operations

The first-half performance was largely impacted by the regional conflict, which began in February and affected operations throughout the remainder of the period, resulting in airspace closures, temporary operational restrictions, reduced operating capacity, and record-high fuel prices.

Chairman highlights business resilience

Commenting on the results, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said: "Air Arabia’s ability to remain profitable during the first half of the year, amid the geopolitical conflict that disrupted the aviation industry throughout the period, reflects the resilience of our business model, the strength of our financial position, and the agility of our management team."

He added: "The conflict significantly impacted the industry through multiple airspace closures, reduced operating capacity, and rising operating costs driven by record-high fuel prices. Throughout this period, we remained focused on maintaining network connectivity, adapting our operations to rapidly evolving circumstances, and exercising disciplined cost management while preserving operational efficiency."

Fleet and network expansion

During the first half of the year, Air Arabia added 6 aircraft to its modern fleet, bringing it to a total of 96 owned and leased Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The carrier has expanded its network by launching five new routes across its operating hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan. In June, Air Arabia has been named “Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline in the MENA Region 2026” by World Finance Magazine as part of its prestigious annual Sustainability Awards Program.

Outlook and commitment to long-term growth

Sheikh Abdullah concluded: "As market conditions continue to improve, we remain confident in the strength of the business fundamentals and our ability to navigate an evolving operating environment. Supported by a robust business model, a disciplined financial approach, and continued demand for our value-driven product, we remain committed to serving our customers, expanding our network responsibly, and creating sustainable long-term value for all our stakeholders."