Air Arabia profit reached AED 278 million in Q1 2026 as strong passenger demand and higher seat occupancy supported revenue growth.

SHARJAH: Air Arabia profit stood at AED 278 million for the first quarter of 2026 as the UAE-based low-cost carrier navigated regional airspace restrictions and operational disruptions linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The Sharjah-headquartered airline reported turnover of AED 1.8 billion for the three months ending March 31, marking a 1 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. Passenger traffic across all operating hubs reached 4.7 million travellers, down 5 per cent year on year due to temporary route disruptions and reduced flight capacity during March.

Despite the lower passenger numbers, Air Arabia profit performance reflected resilient demand across its network. The airline’s average seat load factor rose to 86 per cent from 84 per cent a year earlier, indicating stronger occupancy levels on available flights.

First Quarter 2026 Performance:

AEDQ1 2026Q1 2025%
RevenueAED 1.8 billionAED 1.779 billion1%
Passenger Numbers*all hubs*4.7 million4.9 million(5%)
Seat load Factor86%84%2%
Net ProfitAED 278 millionAED 355 million(22%)

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said the carrier responded quickly to rapidly changing conditions during the quarter.

“Despite a challenging first quarter of the year, marked by airspace restrictions and operational disruptions as a result of the conflict in the region, Air Arabia demonstrated strong resilience and agility in responding to rapidly evolving conditions,” he said.

The airline operated a fleet of 90 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft across hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Pakistan during the quarter. Additional aircraft deliveries are expected later this year under the airline’s Airbus order programme.

Air Arabia profit results also come as the airline strengthens its environmental and governance commitments. The company secured a Limited Assurance Statement for its 2025 ESG Report under the International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000.

The airline was also named among Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Most Valuable Companies 2026 earlier this year, highlighting its continued financial and operational performance.