Low-cost carriers (LCCs) have dramatically transformed air travel in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, making flying more accessible and affordable. Whether you’re a budget traveller, or want to learn more about the aviation industry in MENA, here is an inside look at some of the most popular LCCs.
flydubai
Base country: UAE (Dubai)
APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) Rating: Four stars
Skytrax rating: Three stars
Based in the UAE, flydubai operates predominantly out of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport. Owned by the Emirati government, this LCC offers economy and business class with in-flight entertainment options across short-haul and medium-haul routes. flydubai operates flights to more than 90 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Major destinations include Beirut, Amman, Moscow, and Mumbai. flydubai operates a fleet of 88 Boeing 737 aircraft of different generations, with the most recent aircraft offering flatbeds in Business Class, Wi-Fi and TV entertainment.
Fun fact: flydubai was the first airline in the region to receive a ‘Sky Interior’ on its Boeing 737s, offering a more comfortable cabin experience with mood lighting back in 2010.
Hidden gem: If you’re travelling Business Class with flydubai from Terminal 3 you can use Emirates’ Business Class Lounge for free.
flynas
Base country: Saudi Arabia
APEX rating: Four stars
Skytrax rating: Three stars
Ranked as the world’s 4th best low-cost airline and the top low-cost airline in the Middle East by Skytrax in 2024, flynas offers budget-friendly flights with a focus on both economy and premium economy seating. Formerly known as Nas Air, flynas provides a range of services, including in-flight meals, entertainment, and fast-track services for premium passengers.
The airline operates a modern fleet of 64 aircraft, comprising 17 Airbus A320ceo and 47 Airbus A320neo models serving key domestic routes across Saudi Arabia and international destinations in Egypt, the UAE, Turkey, Pakistan, and Europe. Its major routes include Riyadh to Cairo, Jeddah to Dubai, and Dammam to Istanbul. Known for its high service standards, Flynas also features a loyalty program, NasMiles, which allows frequent flyers to earn rewards.
Fun fact: Since launching in 2007, flynas transported more than 60 million passengers before the end of 2023.
flyadeal
Base country: Saudi Arabia
APEX rating: N/A
Skytrax rating: Three stars
Launched in 2017, Flyadeal is an ultra-low-cost airline and a sister company of Saudia, offering affordable travel with a focus on a single-class economy layout. With a fleet of 32 aircraft, flyadeal allows passengers to customise their travel experience by offering add-ons such as extra legroom seats, baggage options, and in-flight meals. USB ports are available on all flights for added convenience.
Operating primarily from its main hub at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, Flyadeal serves domestic routes across Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Abha, while also expanding internationally with routes to Egypt and Jordan. Known for its transparent pricing model, Flyadeal provides low fares with the flexibility for passengers to pay only for the services they need.
Fun fact: flyadeal was one of the first airlines in Saudi Arabia to have an all-female crew operate a domestic flight. Using the airbus A320, all of the crew were Saudi women with the exception of the pilot, and the co-pilot was Yara Jan, the youngest saudi female pilot at 23 years old.
Air Arabia
Base country: UAE (Sharjah)
APEX rating: Four stars
Skytrax rating: Three stars
Since its launch in 2003, Air Arabia has grown to an operating fleet of 68 Airbus A320ceo and 9 A321neo aircraft, with standard planes accommodating 174 passengers. As an alcohol-free airline, Air Arabia focuses on providing a budget-friendly, no-frills flying experience. Passengers can travel in economy class and take advantage of the “SkyCafe” service, which offers paid meals and snacks onboard.
Serving over 206 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe, Air Arabia’s popular routes include Sharjah to Cairo, Sharjah to Mumbai, and Alexandria to Jeddah. Known for its punctuality and reliability, the airline offers comfortable seating and affordable fares, making it a popular choice for both short-haul and long-haul flights.
Fun fact: Air Arabia was the first LCC in the MENA region and remains one of the largest, boasting hubs not only in the UAE but also in Morocco and Egypt.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi
Base country: UAE (Abu Dhabi)
APEX rating: N/A
Skytrax rating: Three stars
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a subsidiary of Wizz Air Holdings launched in 2020, quickly gained traction in the aviation market with its ultra-low-cost model. Operating from its base at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, the airline connects passengers to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Using its modest fleet size of 12 Airbus A320 family aircraft, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operate on popular routes including Abu Dhabi to Athens, Alexandria, and Belgrade. Known for offering some of the lowest fares in the region, especially on international flights, passengers can expect a streamlined service with the option to pay for baggage, seating, and meals. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is part of Wizz Air Holdings, which operates in 200 airports across 50 countries.
Fun fact: Wizz Air operates around the world, but Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is jointly owned by government-backed Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company with a 51% share and Wizz Air Holdings owning the remaining 49%.
Jazeera Airways
Base country: Kuwait
APEX rating: N/A
Skytrax rating: Three stars
Established in 2004 as the first privately-owned airline in the Middle East, Jazeera Airways has become Kuwait’s leading LCC. Operating a growing fleet of 24 Airbus A320 and A320neo aircraft, the airline serves over 50 destinations across the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and Europe. Jazeera Airways offers both economy and business class services, catering to a wide range of travellers.
Economy passengers enjoy budget-friendly fares with the option to add extra services, while business class passengers benefit from premium features such as dedicated check-in counters, lounges, and priority boarding. Major routes include flights from Kuwait to Dubai, Istanbul, Cairo, and London.
Fun fact: Jazeera Airways was the first private airline in the Middle East to establish its own dedicated terminal (T5) at Kuwait International Airport. The terminal provides passengers with a smoother check-in experience with a dedicated check-in hall, business lounge and 350 space car park connected via a sky bridge.
SalamAir
Base country: Oman
APEX rating: N/A
Skytrax rating: N/A
SalamAir, established as Oman’s first LCC in 2017. It operates out of Muscat International Airport with a modern fleet of 6 Airbus A320neo and 7 Airbus A321neo aircraft, becoming the first Omani airline to utilise these advanced single-aisle planes. Serving 44 destinations, SalamAir offers affordable flights in a single-class economy configuration, with passengers able to add services such as seat selection, meals, and extra baggage.
Major routes include regional flights to Muscat, Dubai, Jeddah, and Karachi, as well as international destinations in India, Pakistan, and Turkey. Known for its competitive pricing, Salam Air has quickly expanded its route network, connecting Oman to under-served markets. The airline’s inaugural flight in 2017 from Muscat to Salalah coincided with the Khareef season, a popular tourist event in Oman.
Fun fact: SalamAir derives its name from the Arabic greeting “Salam,” and they say this was chosen due to Oman’s history and heritage that embodies the values of hospitality.
Ajet
Base Country: Istanbul
APEX rating: N/A
Skytrax rating: Three stars
Ajet, a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, was formerly branded as AnadoluJet until 31 March 2024. With a fleet of 86 young, eco-friendly Airbus A320 aircraft, the airline serves 93 destinations. Based in Turkey, Ajet offers budget-friendly flights with flexible add-on options such as extra baggage and priority boarding.
While in-flight entertainment is not available, some ticket options include complimentary snacks and drinks, and passengers can also purchase food during the flight. Ajet operates major routes connecting to nearby countries including Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Known for its competitive pricing, Ajet is a popular choice for travellers seeking affordable regional connections and short-haul flights.
Fun fact: Ajet prides itself on being eco-friendly, with sustainability measures in place, including paperless check-ins and efforts to reduce onboard waste. They have also committed to reducing and offsetting their carbon consumption and impact.
