Abu Dhabi Plans UAE’s Third Low Cost Airline

The low-cost end of the market has grown significantly in the Gulf, along with premium airlines. Six new carriers have been established in six years, including Air Arabia in Sharjah, Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways, and Saudi Arabia’s Sama Airlines. Abu Dhabi must compete with Dubai in Sharjah for the low cost segment, and other smaller airports will soon offer competition, such as Al-Ain and Fujairah. Low cost airlines focus on inter-regional routes and have established regional networks, such as Air Arabia’s Arabia in Morocco.