{"id":148763,"date":"2026-07-06T15:33:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T10:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=148763"},"modified":"2026-07-06T15:05:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T09:35:38","slug":"air-arabia-begins-new-flights-to-london-gatwick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/06\/air-arabia-begins-new-flights-to-london-gatwick\/","title":{"rendered":"Air Arabia Begins New Flights to Best City in the World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

SHARJAH-<\/strong> Air Arabia (G9)<\/a> now links directly with the United Kingdom through a new scheduled service. The carrier began operating double-daily nonstop flights between Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW), with the inaugural flight departing on July 4th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new route adds another major destination to Air Arabia’s international network and improves air connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. It offers travelers an affordable, convenient option for direct travel between Sharjah (SHJ) and London (LGW).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Air Arabia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air Arabia Inaugurates London Gatwick Flights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Air Arabia introduced the Sharjah to London Gatwick<\/a> route as part of its ongoing network expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The service operates twice daily, giving passengers greater flexibility to plan business and leisure trips between the two cities. The launch supports rising demand for direct travel between the UAE and the UK while positioning Sharjah as a stronger gateway for long-haul connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The twice-daily frequency allows travelers to choose from multiple departure times each day. This schedule benefits both point-to-point passengers and those connecting onward through Air Arabia’s wider network from its Sharjah hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Md Ayon | Wikimedia Commons\nhttps:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:A6-ATF_-_Air_Arabia_-_Airbus_A321-251NX_-_MSN_10181_-_VGHS.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Inaugural Ceremonies Mark the Route Launch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Air Arabia held inaugural ceremonies at both Sharjah International Airport<\/a> and London Gatwick Airport to celebrate the new connection. The event at Sharjah drew senior officials and aviation leaders who highlighted the growing ties between the two nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

H.E. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, and H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), attended the ceremony. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Representatives of the British Embassy in the UAE and Air Arabia’s senior leadership also joined the event. Their presence reflected the strengthening tourism, trade, and economic relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Executive Remarks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia<\/strong>, said the London Gatwick service marks a significant addition to the airline’s growing international network. He noted that the route reinforces the carrier’s commitment to offering customers greater choice, convenience, and value, while supporting demand for air travel and encouraging tourism, business, and cultural exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

H.E. Ali Salim Al Midfa<\/strong> described the launch as an important milestone in Sharjah Airport’s strategic expansion into one of the world’s leading aviation markets. He said connecting Sharjah directly with the British capital creates a vital bridge between two major commercial and cultural centers and strengthens Sharjah’s role as a regional hub for air connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jonny Macneal, Head of Aviation Development at London Gatwick<\/strong>, welcomed Air Arabia to the airport and called the addition an important step in the growth of its route network. He said the twice-daily schedule offers strong flexibility for passengers and improves Gatwick’s connectivity to the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – Air Arabia Maroc, CN-NMO, Airbus A320-214, CC BY-SA 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=87491709<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Aircraft and Onboard Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Air Arabia operates the Sharjah to London Gatwick route with its Airbus A321neo LR aircraft<\/a>. This aircraft combines extended range with improved fuel efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort, making it well suited for the long-haul service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline runs a modern fleet made up entirely of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. Passengers can access ‘SkyTime’, the complimentary in-flight streaming service, and order from ‘SkyCafe’, the onboard menu. Travelers can also earn benefits through ‘Air Rewards’, the airline’s loyalty program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customers can book direct flights between Sharjah and London Gatwick through Air Arabia’s website, its call centre, or travel agencies. The added frequency and direct routing give travelers a straightforward option for journeys between the UAE and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons- Tower Bridge, London<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

London Travel Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

London, the capital of the United Kingdom, ranks among the most visited cities in the world and rewards careful planning for anyone arriving for the first time. Five full days give a first-time visitor enough time to cover the major landmarks while still leaving room to explore the city centre on foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide covers where to stay, how to get around, and the attractions worth prioritising, along with shopping districts, afternoon tea, West End shows, Christmas markets, recommended pubs, and a practical day-by-day plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning a First Trip to the UK Capital<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Booking in advance is the single most important step for a smooth London trip. Restaurants, museums, and popular attractions sell out quickly, even outside peak season. Tickets to the British Museum, the Tower of London, and the London Eye often go fast during the summer months when crowds are highest. Buying online through official websites, or using a London Pass, is the most reliable way to avoid long queues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First-time visitors benefit from a simple rule: choose one or two major attractions per day. London is large, and moving between sites takes time, though the city centre has strong public transport and many landmarks sit within walking distance of each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Greater London, England, United Kingdom; Photo: Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Getting Around and Where to Stay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Central London accommodation is expensive, but a few options balance cost and location. The Hub Premier Inn at Westminster offers small but comfortable rooms within a short walk of a tube station, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Premier Inn Smithfield\/Farringdon sits in a quieter part of the City of London, an area filled with young professionals, pubs, and restaurants, and remains well connected to the London Underground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main airports serving the city are Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and London City (LCY), with Stansted (STN) as an additional entry point. Heathrow connects directly to the city centre on the Underground. An Oyster card is often recommended, but contactless payment with a credit card works just as well and involves less hassle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Oxford University, London; Photo: Britannica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The British Museum is one of London’s essential stops. Entry is free, though visitors must reserve in advance. Its collection spans Ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Asia, the Americas, the United Kingdom, and Europe. The Rosetta Stone is the standout exhibit, and a guided tour or audio guide helps cover the vast galleries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Tower of London, built in 1066 by William the Conqueror, has served as a fortress, treasury, and prison. Today it houses the Crown Jewels and is known for its history of imprisonment and torture. The free Beefeater-led guided tour is informative and entertaining, and visitors should allow at least two hours. Next door, Tower Bridge, often mistaken for London Bridge, offers strong views of the River Thames from its lower walkway and high-level glass floors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buckingham Palace opens to visitors for roughly ten weeks each year, usually from late July through August. The tour covers the State Rooms, ballroom, throne room, and parts of the gardens, and runs as a self-guided experience of about two hours ending in the palace gardens. Photography is not allowed, and security is tight, so early arrival helps. The Changing of the Guard can be watched for free, though guided tours position visitors in the best viewing spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Westminster Abbey has hosted the coronation of every British monarch since 1066 and holds the tombs of monarchs, writers, and scientists, including Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. Highlights include the Coronation Chair and the Royal Tombs. It also served as the venue for the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Catherine. Visitors can book a full tour or attend an evensong service, which features verse readings alongside organ and choir music. A short walk over Westminster Bridge gives the classic view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, while nearby Trafalgar Square is home to the National Gallery and works by Van Gogh, Turner, and da Vinci.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Paul’s Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666 and completed in the early 18th century, is defined by its dome, the second largest in the world. Inside are detailed mosaics, sweeping arches, and the Whispering Gallery, where quiet words carry across the curved walls. The cathedral hosted the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer and the funerals of Sir Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. Adult tickets cost around \u00a322 and include a self-guided tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shopping and Markets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oxford Street and Regent Street hold major department stores such as Selfridges, John Lewis, and Marks & Spencer, with striking window displays at Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Covent Garden offers boutique shops, caf\u00e9s, and street performers, and the nearby Cecil Court appeals to book lovers. Knightsbridge and Mayfair are the destinations for luxury shopping, including Harrods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For markets, Borough Market near the South Bank is known for street food and artisanal products, while Brick Lane is famous for curry houses and vintage shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afternoon Tea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Traditional afternoon tea is widely available but can be expensive, particularly at the Ritz. Dalloway Terrace in Bloomsbury serves it at around \u00a375 per person, including a glass of champagne, finger sandwiches such as cucumber, smoked salmon, and egg, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries and cakes, and a choice of fine teas. The experience typically lasts around three hours and provides more than enough food to replace a meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking in a West End Show<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The West End is central to London’s entertainment scene, and most shows sell out or reach standing room only, so advance booking is essential. Popular productions include long-running musicals such as Mamma Mia. The Barbican Theatre also stages notable performances, though its seating is less comfortable than many West End venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christmas Markets in London<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

London decorates heavily for the festive season, with Christmas markets across the city. Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square host larger markets, while smaller ones appear along the Queen’s Walk and around Tower Bridge. The biggest is Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which charges an entrance fee and features German-style wooden chalets, an ice skating rink, an observation wheel, circus and fairground rides, Bavarian beer halls, hot food stalls, handmade crafts, mulled wine, and Santa’s grotto. Most stalls are cashless, though carrying a little cash can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pubs and Restaurants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pubs sit on nearly every corner and usually serve similar fare, including pies, fish and chips, and burgers. They close at 11:00 pm, and kitchens generally stop serving by around 9:30 pm. Notable options include the Blackfriar, one of the few Art Nouveau pubs in London; Cahoots, a 1940s-themed bar with drinks served with props and flair; the George Inn, one of the oldest pubs in the city, with a courtyard once used for Shakespeare’s plays; and the Old Bell Tavern, built by Christopher Wren in 1678 and known for its steak and ale pie. Reservations are recommended at the busier venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For sit-down meals, Chez Antoinette in Victoria serves French dishes, Bill’s in Victoria is a solid breakfast spot, Old Queen Street Cafe is popular for brunch, and Popina in Mayfair serves shakshuka. Dishoom is widely recommended for Indian food. Reservations are strongly advised across the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Savoy, London; Photo- thesavoylondon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Extra Tips for First-Time Visitors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best time to visit depends on preference. Summer brings longer days but larger crowds, while spring and autumn help travellers avoid peak season. A credit card is essential, since contactless payment is accepted almost everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Underground remains the most efficient way to move around the city. Beyond the National Gallery, art lovers can explore the Tate Modern, Tate Britain, the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggested 5-Day Itinerary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Day 1: A half day on arrival, with a pub lunch followed by a walk past Westminster Abbey, Parliament, and Big Ben, then across Westminster Bridge. An evening Christmas lights tour near the London Eye and a stroll along the Queen’s Walk round out the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 2: A morning walk to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard, a pub lunch, and an afternoon exploring Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Cecil Court, ending near the Somerset House skating rink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 3: Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, followed by lunch at the George Inn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 4: Brunch, a walk through the park to Piccadilly for the Christmas window displays, afternoon tea at Dalloway Terrace, and evening drinks at Cahoots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 5: A late morning brunch, around two hours at the British Museum, and an evening evensong service at Westminster Abbey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 6: A final brunch before heading to the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Save for a Return Visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Five days is not enough to see all of London. A guided tour of Westminster Abbey is worth saving for a return trip, given the many notable figures buried there. Additional museums, galleries, and neighbourhoods also reward repeat visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Air Arabia to Launch New Low-Cost Airline in Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/blockquote>