World’s longest budget flight launches from UK airport — but there’s a catch

Flying with a budget airline is usually reserved for short-haul European destinations.

Whether it’s a £13.59 Ryanair flight to Italy or Poland, or £25 easyJet flights to ‘refreshing’ Mediterranean islands, the journey never takes more than a few hours.

But one airline is pushing the boundaries by launching what it claims is the world’s longest budget flight.

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier, is running a new route from London Gatwick to Sharjah — the third-largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, a 30-minute drive from Dubai.

Coming in Spring 2026, the almost eight-hour flight is designed to make travel from the UK to the Middle East more affordable.

Currently, one-way economy flights to Dubai with Emirates will set you back around £500. Air Arabia’s tickets are almost half the price, at £243.

But there is a catch.

While Emirates’ version of long-haul economy comes with in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, blankets, pillows, regionally inspired meals, and complimentary beverages, Air Arabia looks more like Ryanair.

And, if you’re thinking of knocking back a few wines to make the time go faster, you’d better think again.

Let’s break it down.

What does the Air Arabia long-haul budget flight include?

Like most short-haul offerings, the all-economy cabins have a single aisle with three seats on either side.

However, there are three variations of economy class you can choose from: Basic, Value, or Ultimate. Basic is a standard low-cost offering, where checked baggage (10kg hand baggage is standard), meals, and seat selection cost extra.

A Value ticket gives you an extra 20/30kg of checked luggage, on top of your 10kg hand luggage. You also get a sandwich, water, and a free standard seat from row 8 onwards.

The Ultimate option increases your checked luggage allowance to 30/40kg, and also includes a premium hot meal and dessert, free seat selection anywhere, and priority check-in.

But regardless of class, don’t expect a seat-back screen — you’ll have to bring your own entertainment device.

And make sure it’s fully charged before you fly; there are no USB ports on older planes. (There may be some on offer on newer aircraft.)

Finally, we’ve got bad news for anyone planning to kick back with a good book and a gin and tonic.

Air Arabia is a dry airline, meaning alcohol is banned. Soft drinks are the only beverages served by cabin crew.

Similarly, once you land in Sharjah, remember that it is a dry emirate.

As the Foreign Office says: ‘Drinking or possessing alcohol is illegal in the Emirate of Sharjah, 30km north of Dubai.

‘It is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in a public place anywhere in the UAE. The legal age for purchasing and drinking alcohol is 21 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and in all Northern Emirates except Sharjah, where drinking and having alcohol in your possession is illegal.’

Things to do in Sharjah

While Sharjah isn’t as popular as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, UNESCO crowned it the cultural capital of the Arab World back in 1998.

So it’s worth stopping here for at least a night if you are heading to Dubai.

In this emirate, you’ll find the Islamic Civilisation Museum, a grand domed building, which boasts over 5,000 artefacts from the Islamic world.

Sharjah is also famous for its traditional markets called souks. The best of them is the Central Souk on King Faisal Road.

Older shopping outlets (perfect for bargain hunters) can also be found, with everything from Arabic jewellery and semi-precious stones to carpets and antiques.

The Heart of Sharjah is a cultural heritage project that preserves and restores the original city centre. Explore its vibrant heritage through museums and the arts district.

Finally, take in Sharjah’s stunning landscape. It’s the only emirate with coastlines on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, offering breathtaking scenes of dunes and beaches.

The Al Majaz Waterfront on the Persian Gulf is another popular spot for tourists. From epic skyscrapers to Western chain restaurants, there are also plenty of green spaces to enjoy.

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