No longer does it take a big budget to travel to the UAE. Finding cheap flights to the UAE has become a breeze whether you are going on a high-energy holiday in Dubai, attending business meetings in Abu Dhabi or visiting relatives in Sharjah. With an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) boom and increased competition between mainline international carriers, it’s quite possible that you can secure a low fare.
Dubai Key Insights is not just about a simple list of airlines here, we dive into the comprehensive guide. We interpret the carrier’s hidden fees, compare entry hubs, analyse route networks and provide step-by-step methods on how to find cheap flights to the UAE without compromising on your comfort.
The Big Four: AirFiber is home to the top budget airlines flying into the UAE
So, when it comes to the cheapest airline to fly to UAE, it would depend on the origin of the travellers and how light they can be in their bags. Here are the main low-cost airlines of the region.
1. Abu Dhabi is served by 1. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is the Middle East’s undisputed hero of ultra low-cost airfare from its base at Zayed International Airport (AUH). It connects the UAE to Central and Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, South Asia and the Gulf with bare bones fares.
- Best for: European flights (e.g., Budapest, Katowice, Athens) as well as flights from Central and South Asia travelers seeking single-digit or double-digit ticket rates.
- Pricing Model: Unbundled “WIZZ Basic”. You just pay for your seat and a small backpack (40x30x20cm) under your seat. There is an additional charge for carrying on trolleys, checked bags and seat selection.
- Insider Tip: WIZZ Discount Club is a great option for people travelling with a buddy or more than 2 flights a year as it’s a no-brainer in terms of ticket savings.
2. Air Arabia
Air Arabia is the Middle East’s original budget carrier, with its main base at Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) and second base at Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. It provides air connections to more than 170 destinations in North Africa, middle east, Europe and Indian subcontinent.
- Perfect for: Budget-conscious explorers heading to Dubai. Just 30-45 minutes northeast of Dubai’s city centre is Sharjah Airport, a smart back door access point.
- Pricing Model: Mid Tier Low Cost. Base fares are low but feature a little more legroom than the more typical ULCCs, and have reasonable bundle upgrades on meal and baggage.
3. FlyDubai
flydubai is the sister airline to Emirates and has its hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB) terminals 2 and 3. It links Dubai with under-served secondary markets of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa and Middle East.
- Ideal for: People who would like to fly directly into Dubai instead of paying full-service legacy carrier fares.
- Important to note: As with all budget airlines, flyDubai is linked to the Emirates Skywards frequent flyer program, and provides codeshare links for flights from long-haul carriers.
4. The Regional & International Low-Cost Carriers are the companies that operate within the region or internationally with low-costs.
The following are some carriers to watch if you are heading to the UAE from certain areas:
- IndiGo & SpiceJet: Unbeatable fares from all major and secondary cities of India and South Asia.
- Pegasus Airlines & AJet: Excellent connections from Europe, with low, cheap flights to Dubai or Abu Dhabi through Istanbul.
- Flynas & SalamAir: For short hops in the GCC (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain) the best options are Flynas & SalamAir.
Hub Comparison: Dubai (DXB) vs. Abu Dhabi (AUH) vs. Sharjah (SHJ)
Choosing the correct airport could save you hundreds of dollars before you ever arrive at the airport’s entrance.
| Hub Airport | Primary Budget Airlines | Average Cost Profile | Intercity Transport to Downtown Dubai |
| Dubai International (DXB) | flydubai, IndiGo, SpiceJet | Moderate | Direct (Dubai Metro Red Line, Taxi ~AED 80–120) |
| Abu Dhabi International (AUH) | Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Air Arabia AUH | Lowest Base Fares | Express Airport Bus (AUH to Dubai ~AED 35, Taxi ~AED 250–300) |
| Sharjah International (SHJ) | Air Arabia | Budget-Friendly | Intercity Bus (~AED 12–20, Taxi ~AED 90–140) |
Experience a step-by-step approach for finding affordable flights to the UAE.
When booking flights, think in terms of a tactical move, to get the best price. Follow this process:
The first step is the pre-booking step which is searching Multi-Airport Regions.
Use flight aggregators (Google Flights, Sky scanner) and search for UAE, or search for all airports instead of only DXB. Compare Landing Abu Dhabi (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ) and Direct flight to Dubai.
2. Target Off-Peak Travel Windows: Timing strategy.
Try to travel in the shoulder months (May and September) or in summer months (June-August) when fares are at their lowest in the warmest month. Going away mid-week (Tuesday and Wednesday) had a regular advantage over weekend prices.
3. Audit Hidden Fee Structures: Check out phase.
Always inquire about baggage allowances prior to paying for a service. The ULCC $50 ticket could easily turn into a $150 ticket when you add a 20kg checked bag and seat selection at the checkout. Compare and contrast the total price of a bundle with full-service airlines.
4. Factor in ground transportation: final check in math.
Taking the intercity airport express bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is $10–$15, so if that’s your only way to get to Dubai from Abu Dhabi, make sure to factor that into the price of the ticket.
You can reduce your air fare in the UAE with these 4 insider hacks
- Be aware of the “Separate Ticket” Trap: If you are flying on a budget carrier (RyanAir to Europe and transfer to Wizz Air for Abu Dhabi) make sure to leave a 3-4 hour layover. ULCCs will not cover delays in the first flight.
- Don’t forget to try out comparison sites, but airlines like Wizz Air and Air Arabia often have promotions and discount codes just for their apps that aren’t found on a third-party booking site.
- Travel Light (The Personal Item Method): This is the method of personal luggage measures used by most budget airlines in UAE flights. Travel with a soft-sided, 40 x 30 x 20 cm backpack on the lowest base fare tier.
- Set Up Fare Alerts 60 Days Ahead: Last minute flights to UAE do occasionally pop up, but airfares generally spike 14 days prior to departure. Place the window to be captured 6-8 weeks in advance (set alerts).
Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) contain answers to your questions.
Q1. What is the most affordable flight to Dubai direct?
A1. In general, flydubai, IndiGo and SpiceJet will always provide the cheapest non-stop fare from the various airlines arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Q2. Is there a cheaper route to get to Dubai from Abu Dhabi by car?
A2. In many cases, yes. A cheap flight to Abu Dhabi with Wizz Air may be able to save you up to 50% on the cost of direct flights to DXB. The official AUH Express Shuttle Bus to Dubai is approximately AED 35 ($9.50 USD) and takes about 90 minutes to reach Dubai.
Q3. Which month is the cheapest to fly to the UAE?
A3. The summer months (June to August) have the lowest airfares of the year, because of the hot climate in the area. For a combination of nice weather and low prices, head for late April, May or September.
Make travel to Dubai more enjoyable with these tips.
Cheap flights to the UAE is just the first step in a hassle-free trip across the Middle East. After your holiday packages are sold, you can ensure that your entire trip goes smoothly if you keep track of ground transport options, local laws and budget-friendly lodging options.
Check out our newest guides: Dubai Key Insights for route breakdowns for the Metro; Hotel reviews all over Dubai’s seven Emirates; and local sightseeing tips.