The United Arab Emirates is considered one of the advanced countries in providing high-quality air services through its owned airlines. These airlines have distinguished themselves in the Middle East with integrated services and special offers for travelers, ensuring maximum comfort and safety aboard their planes. We present to you a list of the best Emirati airlines that have proven their worth and rapid development, securing top positions in awards and accolades.
Emirates Airlines:
Emirates is a national Emirati airline headquartered at Dubai International Airport. It was established in 1985 by the Dubai government and serves more than 120 destinations worldwide. With a fleet of around 203 aircraft, it is one of the largest operators of Airbus A380 planes. It received the award for Best Global Carrier in 2013 for its exceptional services.
Etihad Airways:
Etihad is another national Emirati airline founded in 2003 by the Abu Dhabi government. Its main hub is Abu Dhabi International Airport. It operates services to more than 83 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. With a fleet of 66 aircraft, it offers three travel classes: Diamond First Class, Pearl Business Class, and Economy Class.
Air Arabia:
Established in 2003, Air Arabia is a national Emirati airline with its main operational center at Sharjah International Airport. It was the first low-cost carrier in the Middle East and offers services to more than 40 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. Its fleet of 22 aircraft consists of Airbus A320-200 planes, and it has operational centers in Egypt and Morocco.
Abu Dhabi Aviation:
This private Emirati airline was established in 1975, with its headquarters at Abu Dhabi International Airport. It offers domestic flights and operates a fleet of 48 aircraft. It is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
Flydubai:
Founded in 2008, Flydubai is a national Emirati airline based at Dubai International Airport. It operates services to over 67 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Its fleet of 33 Boeing 737-800 aircraft operates on a low-cost model.
Ras Al Khaimah Airlines:
Established in 2006, this national Emirati airline operates from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. It offers services to 11 destinations in Saudi Arabia, India, Bangladesh, Qatar, Egypt, and Pakistan. Its fleet includes Airbus A318, Airbus A320, and Boeing 737-400 aircraft.
Royal Jet:
Founded in 2003, Royal Jet is an Emirati airline specializing in luxury private aviation. Its main operational centers are at Abu Dhabi International Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia. It has won awards for Best Business Aviation Company and Best Private Aviation Company in the Middle East. The fleet comprises 10 aircraft.
Rotana Jet:
Established in 2010 by Ahmed bin Youssef Al Nahyan, Rotana Jet is based at Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi. It serves 12 destinations, including domestic flights to Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, and Al Ruwais, as well as international flights to Bahrain, Oman, and Sri Lanka. The fleet consists of six aircraft.
Jupiter Airlines:
An Emirati airline headquartered at Sharjah Airport, Jupiter Airlines was founded in 1996. It serves five domestic and Middle Eastern destinations and has an operational center in Iraq.