The UAE's national carriers have witnessed significant growth in their destination network. By the end of the first quarter of 2024, they reached approximately 603 destinations worldwide, compared to 586 at the close of 2023.
This 3 percent increase reflects the rebounding aviation sector and caters to the rising demand for travel. The UAE's position as a preferred global destination for tourism and business is further strengthened by this expansion.
These national carriers have consistently outperformed many of their regional and global counterparts. They excel not only in the number of destinations offered but also in terms of operational performance and the quality of services provided to travelers. This success stems from their broad base of experience and proven ability to transform challenges into opportunities. With this track record, they are well-positioned for continued growth, contributing to the overall revival of the UAE's aviation sector.
For a more detailed breakdown, Emirates Airlines currently leads the pack with 143 destinations. Flydubai follows closely with 129, while Air Arabia boasts an impressive network of 215 destinations. Etihad Airways offers service to 76 destinations, with Air Arabia Abu Dhabi reaching 29 and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi serving approximately 40 destinations. These airlines operate from strategically located operational centres across the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, Armenia, and Pakistan.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has demonstrated significant growth, expanding to around 76 destinations by the end of the first quarter of 2024. With ambitious goals, they aim to surpass 125 destinations by 2030, leveraging their strategic location bridging Asia and Europe. The airline targets serving over 33 million passengers annually. Building on a successful 2023, which saw the launch of 15 new destinations, Etihad plans to add 5 to 6 more in 2024, including regular flights to Boston. Additionally, they will enhance their network with seasonal and frequency increases to destinations like Antalya, Thiruvananthapuram, Amman, and Jaipur, while strengthening their presence in key cities like Cairo, Karachi, and Colombo with additional flights.
Emirates Airlines
Emirates Airlines operates an extensive network covering 143 destinations across six continents, comprising 134 passenger destinations and 9 cargo destinations. They prioritize increasing seating capacity to meet rising travel demand and offer flexibility for travelers connecting through Dubai. Recent enhancements include adding 3 weekly flights to Seoul and introducing Premium Economy Class on routes to São Paulo and Tokyo. Emirates will further expand its reach in South America with a daily service to Bogotá, Colombia, starting June 3rd, making it their fourth gateway in the region alongside São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires. Overall, Emirates serves 19 destinations across the Americas, including the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia.
Air Arabia
The Air Arabia Group operates an extensive network, connecting approximately 215 destinations from strategic operational centers in the UAE (Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah), including 115 destinations. Additionally, they serve 74 destinations from operational centers in Morocco, 20 destinations in Egypt, and 6 destinations in Pakistan. Air Arabia will introduce direct flights from Sharjah to Krakow, Poland, commencing on June 29, 2024, facilitating daily connections between Sharjah International Airport and John Paul II International Airport. Furthermore, the carrier will resume flights between Sharjah and Jazan, Saudi Arabia, offering three weekly flights starting from June 4, linking Sharjah International Airport with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi continues to enhance Abu Dhabi's connectivity with the world, offering direct flights to 29 destinations. It continues its expansion plans and commitment to meeting customer needs by expanding its global network to provide broader travel options supported by added value to contribute to the growth of the travel and tourism sector in the UAE.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi
"Wizz Air Abu Dhabi" has expanded its destination network to 40 destinations by the end of the first quarter of this year, continuing to expand its operations to meet increasing demand levels by enhancing its modern and sustainable fleet, reinforcing the company's ambitious plans to launch flights to new destinations.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
