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Pack your bags! These top 10 budget-friendly airlines available to and from the UAE will take you places
17 July 2025
| Last updated on 17 July 2025
If there’s one thing UAE residents love, it’s jetting off for a quick getaway.
7 in 10 UAE residents plan to travel out of the emirates, according to a Khaleej Times report. Whether it’s a long weekend hiking in Georgia, a shopping spree in Turkey, or a beach escape in the Maldives, there's always something exciting for every kind of traveller.
Luckily, budget airlines have made travel more accessible than ever, offering competitive prices without compromising the essentials.
But change is in the air: Wizz Air, a popular low-cost airline that entered the UAE market in 2019 with great fanfare, has announced it will cease operations in Abu Dhabi from September 2025. While this news may disappoint frequent flyers, the UAE still offers a strong roster of affordable airlines ready to take you to your next adventure without breaking the bank.
Here's our curated list of the top 10 most affordable budget airlines currently operating in the UAE.
1. Air Arabia
Based in: Sharjah
As the UAE’s first and largest low-cost carrier, Air Arabia is a go-to for budget-conscious residents. With destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Europe, it offers impressive value, excellent punctuality, and a no-frills service that gets the job done.
Bonus points for their bundled fare options that include baggage and meals at competitive rates.
2. flydubai
Based in: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Backed by the Dubai government, flydubai combines affordability with a touch of full-service flair. The airline flies to over 120 destinations and often shares codes with Emirates Airlines, making it an ideal option for connecting flights.
It’s especially known for frequent, affordable routes to the GCC, Eastern Europe, and South Asia.
3. SalamAir
Based in: Muscat, Oman (operates frequently from UAE)
Though technically Omani, SalamAir is a familiar face at UAE airports like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. With budget-friendly flights to destinations like Muscat, Salalah, and Baku, it’s an easy choice for quick regional getaways.
4. Jazeera Airways
Based in: Kuwait (operates from DXB and AUH)
Jazeera Airways offers budget travel to various Middle Eastern and Asian locations, often with good offers from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We hear that UAE travellers appreciate this low-cost carrier's sales and straightforward booking process.
5. Pegasus Airlines
Based in: Turkey (frequent UAE routes)
For affordable European travel, Pegasus is a go-to for many UAE residents. Operating regular flights from Sharjah and Dubai to Istanbul and beyond, it’s perfect for budget trips to Turkey or as a gateway to Europe via Istanbul.
6. IndiGo
Based in: India (extensive UAE coverage)
With dozens of daily non-stop flights from Dubai to India, IndiGo is one of the most reliable and affordable options for travellers heading to the subcontinent. Although the airline has made global headlines for tragic reasons and technical scares mid-flight, majority of passengers have experienced on-time performance, cheap fares, and a no-nonsense flying experience, making IndiGo a popular choice among Indian expats in the UAE.
7. SpiceJet
Based in: India (serves multiple UAE airports)
SpiceJet offers frequent budget flights between the UAE and Indian cities, with occasional deals to Southeast Asia. It’s great for last-minute bookings and often features in special fare promos.
8. Flynas
Based in: Saudi Arabia (operates from AUH and DXB)
Flynas provides low-cost travel between the UAE and the kingdom with decent flexibility and comfort. It’s an especially good option for travellers heading to KSA: Riyadh, Jeddah, or seasonal Hajj and Umrah trips.
9. Air India Express
Based in: India (serves UAE frequently)
A budget subsidiary of Air India, this airline is known for low-cost fares between UAE and India, especially for southern destinations like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Chennai. Basic service, but unbeatable value.
10. Cebu Pacific
Based in: Philippines (operates flights from DXB to Manila)
Cebu Pacific is the go-to budget airline for affordable travel between the UAE and the Philippines. Known for flash seat sales and "Piso fare" promos, it’s a favourite among the emirates' Filipino expat community and leisure travellers alike. Despite being a long-haul route, their pricing stays incredibly competitive, making tropical getaways to Southeast Asia more accessible than ever.
Despite Wizz Air’s upcoming departure from Abu Dhabi in September 2025, the region remains a budget travel hub thanks to an array of low-cost carriers offering access to regional and international destinations. Whether you're chasing snowy mountains, ancient cities, or tropical shores, there's a dirham-friendly airline ready to take you there.
Pack light, plan smart, and let your travel dreams take flight... without the sky-high price tag!
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