If there’s one thing that UAE residents love to do the most, it’s simply flying off for a quick getaway. As per a report by Khaleej Times, 7 out of 10 UAE residents plan to travel out of the Emirates. Whether it’s for a long weekend in Georgia or for a beach escape in the Maldives, there’s always something that is exciting for every kind of traveler in the UAE. Fortunately, there are a lot of budget airlines that have made travelling more accessible than ever. These airlines offer competitive prices without compromising on the important things.
The UAE still offers a strong schedule of budget-friendly airlines that are ready to take you to your next adventure without letting you break your bank.
Here in this blog, we have provided a list of the top 10 budget-friendly airlines that are ready to connect you to the world. So, it’s time to pack your bags and explore the countries worldwide with low-cost airlines.
Top 10 Best Budget Airlines in the UAE to Plan Your Next Trip
1. Air Arabia
Air Arabia operates out of Sharjah and stands as the UAE’s first and leading budget airline. Many travelers on a tight budget depend on such budget airlines. It connects cities across regions like the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Europe while maintaining low fares. The airline focuses on offering good value with on-time flights and a basic service approach that covers all the essentials.
You can also opt for their fare bundles, which include baggage and meals at prices that don’t break the bank.
2. Fly Dubai
Fly Dubai, supported by the Dubai government, mixes low-cost travel with a bit of full-service charm. The airline serves more than 120 destinations and often partners with Emirates Airlines through code-sharing, which makes it great to use for connecting trips.
The airline focuses on offering frequent and affordable flights to places in the GCC, South Asia, and Eastern Europe.
3. Salam Air
Even though Salam Air is from Oman, it is a common sight at UAE airports like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It offers budget-friendly flights to cities such as Baku, Salalah, and Muscat, making it perfect to take for quick trips in the region.
4. Jazeera Airways
Jazeera Airways, based in Kuwait, provides low-cost trips to places in the Middle East and Asia. It often gives deals to those traveling from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Many UAE travelers seem to value the airline’s simple ticket booking system and frequent sales.
5. Pegasus Airlines
Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines is one of the best budget airlines, popular among UAE travelers looking to visit Europe on a budget. It offers regular flights from Sharjah and Dubai to Istanbul and other locations. People often use it to plan affordable trips to Turkey or connect to European destinations through Istanbul.
6. IndiGo Airlines
India’s IndiGo Airlines runs dozens of direct flights from Dubai to India every day. It has become one of the go-to choices for travelers who want affordable and trusted flights to the Indian subcontinent. While the airline has faced global attention because of unfortunate events and in-flight technical issues, most passengers enjoy timely schedules, low prices, and hassle-free service. This has made IndiGo popular with Indians living in the UAE.
7. SpiceJet
SpiceJet, another airline from India, provides regular low-cost flights linking the UAE to cities in India. Sometimes they even extend good deals to Southeast Asia. Travelers find them very useful when booking flights on short notice, and they are often part of special ticket promotions.
8. Flynas
Flynas, a Saudi Arabian airline, offers affordable flights connecting the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It provides good flexibility and comfort levels. It’s a solid choice for those traveling to Riyadh, Jeddah, or on seasonal Hajj and Umrah journeys.
9. Air India Express
Air India’s budget airlines runs low-cost flights between India and the UAE. It flies to southern cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Chennai. Service is basic, but the prices are hard to beat.
10. Cebu Pacific
This airline operates out of the Philippines offering, flights from DXB to Manila.
Cebu Pacific, located in the Philippines, is the leading budget option for travel between the UAE and the Philippines. The airline attracts Filipino expats and tourists with flash sales and popular “Piso fare” promos. It keeps prices low even on long-haul routes, which helps make trips to Southeast Asia easier and more affordable.
Smart Ways to Save More with Budget Airlines
Flying with budget airlines doesn’t have to mean giving up comfort. You just need some smart planning to get the most out of your trip without overspending. These suggestions will assist you in maximizing your budget when reserving economical flights:
1. Reserve Tickets to Find the Cheapest Prices
Budget airlines offer their lowest prices months before the flight date. If you book way ahead of time, you’re more likely to grab those super cheap fares. As the departure date gets closer, ticket prices tend to go up.
2. Pack Smart and Keep It Light
You can skip paying for checked bags by packing a carry-on. Follow the airline’s rules on size and weight. Packing smart matters. Use things like compression bags, clothes that work in multiple ways, and small-sized toiletries to make everything fit.
3. Compare Prices with Fare Aggregators
Check flight prices with fares like Skyscanner, Google Flights, Momondo, or Kayak. These platforms let you look at fares from different airlines and booking sites. Set alerts to find out when ticket prices drop.
4. Sign up to Get Emails From Budget Airlines
They often send special deals and flash sales through newsletters. Being on their list means you’ll know when discounts pop up.
Consider joining loyalty and membership programs. They often have their own perks for frequent travelers.
5. Join Rewards or Frequent Flyer Programs
Even low-cost airlines have rewards or frequent flyer programs. These programs might give you cheaper tickets, early sale alerts, or free upgrades. It costs nothing to sign up, so there’s no reason not to.
6. Skip Extra Fees Wherever You Can
Budget airlines often charge for things like picking your seat, meals during the flight, or quicker boarding. Pay for what you need. Save money by bringing your own food and entertainment instead of buying them on the plane.
7. Search for Flights in Incognito Mode
Airlines may adjust ticket prices based on your web activity. To prevent this and avoid price jumps, always search for flights using a private or incognito browser mode.
8. Try Flying During Less Busy Times
Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday or traveling during off-hours like early mornings or nights, can help you save money. Try skipping busy holiday periods when you can.
9. Check Out Smaller or Secondary Airports
Check out smaller or secondary airports where budget airlines land. These might not be right in the city, but the lower ticket prices could make up for extra travel time or transit expenses.
10. Bundle With Caution
Airlines sometimes sell bundles that include things like seats, luggage, and meals at a discount. It’s a good idea to compare the cost of these things before deciding, since bundles aren’t always a better deal.
Final Thoughts
People now find it easier to travel thanks to budget airlines in the UAE. They give low-cost flight options without cutting corners on safety or connections. Whether you’re heading to India, Europe, or traveling within the Gulf, these airlines give a solid mix of price and convenience.
Next time you organize a trip, think about looking into these affordable choices to spend less and travel more wisely.
