Air Arabia has announced a daily non-stop service between Sharjah International Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport, with operations scheduled to begin on 1 July 2026, marking a significant expansion of the carrier’s European footprint.
The Sharjah-based low-cost airline said the new route will operate every day, strengthening connectivity between the UAE and Italy at a time when demand for point-to-point travel and affordable long-haul narrowbody services continues to rise. The move positions the airline to tap both leisure and visiting friends and relatives traffic, while also targeting small and medium-sized business travellers seeking direct access to the Italian capital.
Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said the addition of Rome reflects sustained passenger demand for direct links between the UAE and major European cities. He noted that Italy represents an important market for trade, tourism and cultural exchange, and that the daily service will enhance connectivity for customers across the airline’s network through Sharjah.
Rome Fiumicino, officially Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, is Italy’s busiest gateway, serving more than 40 million passengers annually before the pandemic and regaining momentum as European air traffic has rebounded. The airport functions as a key hub for transatlantic and intra-European connections, and its slot availability and infrastructure upgrades have attracted new long-haul and medium-haul services in the past two years.
Air Arabia operates a fleet primarily composed of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, including the longer-range A321LR variant, which enables extended narrowbody routes to destinations deeper into Europe. Industry analysts note that low-cost carriers in the Gulf are increasingly leveraging such aircraft to open secondary and underserved routes without the higher cost base associated with widebody operations.
The Rome launch comes amid steady growth in travel between the Gulf and southern Europe. Italy has seen a rise in visitor arrivals from the UAE, supported by visa facilitation measures and expanding air links. At the same time, Italy’s outbound market to the Gulf has grown, driven by tourism, retail and transit traffic to Asia and Africa.
Sharjah International Airport has been positioning itself as a competitive alternative to larger Gulf hubs. With infrastructure enhancements and capacity expansion projects under way, the airport aims to handle increased passenger volumes over the next decade. Air Arabia remains its largest operator, accounting for the majority of traffic and anchoring its development strategy.
Aviation data indicates that low-cost carriers now account for a growing share of traffic between Europe and the Middle East. While legacy airlines continue to dominate major hub-to-hub routes, budget operators have captured demand for direct services to regional airports and for travellers prioritising price over premium services. The Sharjah–Rome sector is expected to benefit from this trend, particularly among cost-conscious leisure travellers.
Italy’s capital offers strong tourism appeal, with landmarks such as the Colosseum and Vatican City drawing millions of visitors each year. Rome also serves as a gateway to other Italian regions via rail and domestic flights, providing onward connectivity for travellers from the Gulf. Conversely, Sharjah’s proximity to Dubai and the northern emirates offers Italian passengers convenient access to the wider UAE market.
Air Arabia’s expansion strategy has included adding destinations across Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East over the past several years. The carrier has focused on maintaining high aircraft utilisation and cost discipline, reporting solid financial performance as passenger volumes have recovered. Analysts point out that fuel price volatility and airport charges remain key variables influencing profitability, especially on medium-haul European sectors.
Competition on UAE–Italy routes has intensified, with full-service airlines operating services to Rome and other Italian cities. However, the low-cost model allows Air Arabia to differentiate itself through competitive fares and ancillary revenue offerings, including seat selection, baggage options and onboard services. The daily frequency is expected to appeal to travellers seeking flexibility.
The broader aviation sector has been reshaped by shifting travel patterns since 2022, with pent-up leisure demand and diaspora travel driving route launches. Airlines have recalibrated networks to prioritise markets showing resilience and consistent yields. Rome’s selection underscores the strategic importance of European capitals in network planning for Gulf-based carriers.
Industry observers suggest that further expansion into continental Europe may follow if the Rome route performs in line with expectations. Bilateral air service agreements between the UAE and European states provide scope for capacity growth, subject to slot availability and regulatory approvals.
The Sharjah-based low-cost airline said the new route will operate every day, strengthening connectivity between the UAE and Italy at a time when demand for point-to-point travel and affordable long-haul narrowbody services continues to rise. The move positions the airline to tap both leisure and visiting friends and relatives traffic, while also targeting small and medium-sized business travellers seeking direct access to the Italian capital.
Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said the addition of Rome reflects sustained passenger demand for direct links between the UAE and major European cities. He noted that Italy represents an important market for trade, tourism and cultural exchange, and that the daily service will enhance connectivity for customers across the airline’s network through Sharjah.
Rome Fiumicino, officially Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, is Italy’s busiest gateway, serving more than 40 million passengers annually before the pandemic and regaining momentum as European air traffic has rebounded. The airport functions as a key hub for transatlantic and intra-European connections, and its slot availability and infrastructure upgrades have attracted new long-haul and medium-haul services in the past two years.
Air Arabia operates a fleet primarily composed of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, including the longer-range A321LR variant, which enables extended narrowbody routes to destinations deeper into Europe. Industry analysts note that low-cost carriers in the Gulf are increasingly leveraging such aircraft to open secondary and underserved routes without the higher cost base associated with widebody operations.
The Rome launch comes amid steady growth in travel between the Gulf and southern Europe. Italy has seen a rise in visitor arrivals from the UAE, supported by visa facilitation measures and expanding air links. At the same time, Italy’s outbound market to the Gulf has grown, driven by tourism, retail and transit traffic to Asia and Africa.
Sharjah International Airport has been positioning itself as a competitive alternative to larger Gulf hubs. With infrastructure enhancements and capacity expansion projects under way, the airport aims to handle increased passenger volumes over the next decade. Air Arabia remains its largest operator, accounting for the majority of traffic and anchoring its development strategy.
Aviation data indicates that low-cost carriers now account for a growing share of traffic between Europe and the Middle East. While legacy airlines continue to dominate major hub-to-hub routes, budget operators have captured demand for direct services to regional airports and for travellers prioritising price over premium services. The Sharjah–Rome sector is expected to benefit from this trend, particularly among cost-conscious leisure travellers.
Italy’s capital offers strong tourism appeal, with landmarks such as the Colosseum and Vatican City drawing millions of visitors each year. Rome also serves as a gateway to other Italian regions via rail and domestic flights, providing onward connectivity for travellers from the Gulf. Conversely, Sharjah’s proximity to Dubai and the northern emirates offers Italian passengers convenient access to the wider UAE market.
Air Arabia’s expansion strategy has included adding destinations across Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East over the past several years. The carrier has focused on maintaining high aircraft utilisation and cost discipline, reporting solid financial performance as passenger volumes have recovered. Analysts point out that fuel price volatility and airport charges remain key variables influencing profitability, especially on medium-haul European sectors.
Competition on UAE–Italy routes has intensified, with full-service airlines operating services to Rome and other Italian cities. However, the low-cost model allows Air Arabia to differentiate itself through competitive fares and ancillary revenue offerings, including seat selection, baggage options and onboard services. The daily frequency is expected to appeal to travellers seeking flexibility.
The broader aviation sector has been reshaped by shifting travel patterns since 2022, with pent-up leisure demand and diaspora travel driving route launches. Airlines have recalibrated networks to prioritise markets showing resilience and consistent yields. Rome’s selection underscores the strategic importance of European capitals in network planning for Gulf-based carriers.
Industry observers suggest that further expansion into continental Europe may follow if the Rome route performs in line with expectations. Bilateral air service agreements between the UAE and European states provide scope for capacity growth, subject to slot availability and regulatory approvals.
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