Top ten Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) in the Middle East
The Middle East’s aviation landscape has evolved rapidly, with Low-Cost Carriers(LCCs)significantly boosting accessibility and route growth across the region and beyond. These carriers are important for travel sellers, tour operators, and airline partners looking to build cost-efficient itineraries with strong network reach.
- flydubai — UAE’s Most Extensive Budget Network
flydubai leads the region with one of the most extensive LCC networks, connecting Dubai to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. The airline’s hybrid model offers optional add-ons that make it flexible for packaged travel products. flydubai is an Emirati government-owned low-cost airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The airline mainly operates out of Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport, though some flights fly out from Terminal 3. They operate a single fleet-type of 97 Boeing 737 aircraft, which includes 68 Boeing 737 MAX 8, 26 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800, and 03 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft
- flynas — Saudi Arabia’s Award-Winning Leader
flynas is regularly recognized as the region’s leading low-cost airline, offering extensive domestic and international routes with both budget and premium economy options — appealing to leisure and business segments alike. flynas, the low-cost airline in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East with a 61-aircraft fleet, operating more than 1500 weekly flights across 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries. Since its launch in 2007, flynas has transported more than 78 million passengers.
- Air Arabia — Pioneer of Low-Cost Travel
Air Arabia — the first LCC in the Middle East — operates a large network spanning the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia, with strong hub operations out of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Air Arabia is an Emirati low-cost airline based in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It claims to fly you to over 206 destinations spread across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe.
- flyadeal — Saudi Arabia’s Ultra-Low-Fare Specialist
A subsidiary of Saudia, flyadeal focuses on ultra-low fares with strong domestic and short-haul regional connectivity — ideal for pilgrims, VFR (Visiting Friends & Relatives), and budget tourism segments. It is a Saudi Arabian low-cost airline headquartered at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. flyadeal stepped up its distribution strategy widening reach to travel agents by joining the global industry body International Air Transport Association (IATA). And in another first, the budget airline signed up to its first-ever loyalty scheme partnering with AlFursan, the rewards programme of sister carrier Saudia, that enables members to earn and burn reward miles on flights operated by flyadeal.
- SalamAir — Oman’s Cost-Focused Carrier
Salman Air is Oman’s budget airline expanding rapidly across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and Europe, with competitive pricing and growing network appeal for travel wholesalers and agents. SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, was established to meet the growing demand for affordable travel options in the region. They operate a modern fleet of 15 aircraft, including Airbus A320neo and A321neo models, serving over 40 destinations more than 15 countries, including four key domestic routes within the Sultanate.
- Jazeera Airways — Kuwait’s Growing LCC
Jazeera Airways connects Kuwait to the Middle East, South Asia, and some European markets. Its business class add-ons and relatively broad route map make it attractive for flexible package options. Established in April 2004, Jazeera Airways is the first non-government owned airline in the Middle East, continuing to be one of the few Middle East-based private airlines to this day. Jazeera Airways owns and operates its own terminal at Kuwait International Airport – Terminal 5 (T5) ensuring an enhanced passenger experience with dedicated check-in, fast immigration and short transfer distances.
- Air Arabia Abu Dhabi — Expanded UAE Low-Cost Footprint
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is Air Arabia’s joint venture with Etihad based in Abu Dhabi strengthens budget travel offerings from the UAE, adding routes across the region and beyond. As part of the Air Arabia Group, it shares network benefits with its parent brand. Founded in 2020, this airline is a joint venture between Air Arabia and Etihad Airways, combining expertise from both companies. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, it aims to provide budget-friendly flights
- Pegasus Airlines — Regional Bridge to Europe
Although headquartered in Turkey, Pegasus Airlines plays a significant role for Middle Eastern travelers seeking affordable connections to Europe and beyond, often via Istanbul. It’s a valuable partner for multi-leg travel packages that include the Middle East. It provides reasonably-priced transportation opportunities on point-to-point basis in short and medium range routes, and aims to set up a wide flight network with high flight frequency for guests.
- Akasa Air — India-Gulf Budget Connectivity
Akasa Air — while an Indian budget carrier — has resumed and expanded flights to multiple Middle Eastern destinations, offering cost-effective links between India and the Gulf (important for the large VFR and holiday segments). It launched its first commercial flight on August 7, 2022, to support the growing demand across India and commenced their international operations in March 2024 with Doha (Qatar)
- Nile Air — Egyptian LCC with Regional Scope
Nile Air is Egypt’s low-cost airline with routes into the Middle East and North Africa. It’s increasingly relevant for travel products linking the Gulf with Cairo and Egyptian leisure destinations. (Not always classed as a full LCC in every list, but actively competes on price in the region.) Nile Air is one of the largest private airlines in Egypt, with six aircraft, operating fifty-eight routes across eight countries and twenty – nine airports.