Air Arabia to increase capacity at Abu Dhabi

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is planning to increase capacity and services out of Zayed International Airport.

The airline has expanded its fleet with the addition of two Airbus A320 aircraft, bringing its total fleet size to 12 aircraft. The carrier also announced plans to add two more Airbus A320 aircraft before the end of the year, strengthening the Abu Dhabi-based fleet to 14.

This fleet increase will boost total capacity by 40% in 2025, reinforcing Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s commitment to growth in the region.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s recent network expansions include new routes to Yerevan, Almaty, and Sialkot, further broadening its reach. The airline now connects Abu Dhabi with non-stop service to over 30 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Eastern Europe.

In Quotes

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said:

The addition of new aircraft and our strategic fleet expansion reflect our ongoing commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and expanding our network reach. This growth supports the rising demand for air travel to and from Abu Dhabi.”

He added:

“The planned capacity increase in 2025 will further contribute to the capital’s broader economic and tourism vision while continuing to offer value-driven air travel to our customers.”

A convenient time for a “planned capacity increase”

Whilst it might be a “planned capacity increase”, this needs to be looked at from another angle – the withdrawal of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, which has shaken up the market somewhat.

Yesterday, Etihad Airways announced plans to introduce seven routes to take advantage of Wizz Air leaving the market. It seems that Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is following suit, with the airline adding four new aircraft over the year, to boost capacity out of its Abu Dhabi base as they now compete with Etihad (and at the same time, cooperating with them, given that Etihad owns 51% of the subsidiary).

With the two carriers competing for point-to-point traffic (as well as having to contend with flyDubai and Emirates in Dubai), there’s going to be some consolidation and reorganisation in the region, whilst Wizz Air Abu Dhabi concludes its exit.