Domestic Flights in the UAE
Search and Book Domestic Flights in the UAE
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Search and Book Domestic Flights in the UAE
If you're looking for domestic flights in the UAE, you've come to the right place! At Alternative Airlines, you can easily search, compare and book domestic flights in the United Arab Emirates. With over 600 airlines available to book flights with on our site and 40+ ways to pay, we make flights more accessible and flexible for everybody!
Searching for your domestic flights in the UAE with Alternative Airlines has its advantages - in this guide we'll show you all of the available airlines that you can fly with as well as which airports you can fly to, helping you plan your domestic trip in the UAE.
What are Domestic Flights Within the UAE?
Domestic flights in the UAE are flights that depart from one airport and arrive at another airport all within the UAE. For example, a domestic flight in the UAE can be a flight departing from Abu Dhabi and flying to the island of Sir Bani Yas which is also in the UAE.
The cities that you can fly between in the United Arab Emirates are Abu Dhabi, Ras al Khaimah, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Sir Bani Yas Island and Delma Island. Airlines flying between these UAE cities include Air Arabia, flydubai, Etihad Airways and Rotana Jet.
Domestic Airlines in the UAE
Below, you'll find out more information about each of the airlines that operate domestic flights within the United Arab Emirates.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia is a low-cost airline based in the UAE operating regular passenger flights across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe. The airline flies to over 170 destinations, however, its domestic flights in the UAE are between its hub airports in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.
Online check-in for domestic flights:
Online check-in for domestic flights with Air Arabia opens 36 hours up until 1 hour before the flight is scheduled to depart.
Airport check-in for domestic flights:
The Air Arabia check-in counter will open 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. The check-in counter will close 1 hour before the flight departs for Economy Class passengers and 45 minutes before the flight departs for Business Class passengers.
flydubai
flydubai is another low-cost airline based in the UAE. It is headquartered in Dubai and uses Dubai International Airport as its hub airport. The airline flies to over 90 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe, however, it only flies domestically between the two airports in Dubai: Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai International Airport.
Online check-in for domestic flights:
flydubai's online check-in for domestic flights opens from 48 hours up until 75 minutes before the flight is scheduled to depart.
Airport check-in for domestic flights:
At the airport, flydubai's check-in counter is available from 3 hours before take-off and closes 1 hour before the scheduled departure time.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is one of the flag carrier airlines of the UAE and is based in Abu Dhabi. The airline flies to over 130 destinations worldwide, mainly out of its hub airport - Abu Dhabi International Airport. With Etihad Airways, you can fly domestically within the UAE between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Online check-in for domestic flights:
Online check-in with Etihad Airways opens 30 hours before the flight departure time up until 1 hour before take-off.
Airport check-in for domestic flights:
If you'd rather check in at the airport, the Eithad Airways check-in counters open 4 hours before take-off and close 1 hour before departure for Economy travellers and 45 minutes before departure for Business or First Class passengers.
Rotana Jet
Rotana Jet is a charter airline based at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi. The airline flew to almost 20 cities within the Middle East and Asia, however, it now only offers charter flights between Abu Dhabi and Dalma Island.
Why Book Domestic Flights within the UAE?
The UAE is home to Dubai - the jewel of the Middle East. Dubai's glamorous, towering skyscrapers and tempting shopping districts attract tourists from all corners of the world, all year round. When you're visiting the United Arab Emirates, you also can't forget to visit the capital city - Abu Dhabi. This city consists of unique infrastructures, luxurious resorts and picture-perfect beaches.
Things to do:
If you're visiting Dubai, there are many landmarks and attractions you'll want to see and take in. The Grand Mosque, a spiritual symbol of Dubai, is a must-see and is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. You can also visit the Burj Khalifa which is currently the world's tallest tower.
Abu Dhabi also has many things to do. Take a walk along The Corniche - an 8km stretch of waterfront decorated with palm trees and skyscrapers right next to the white, sandy beaches. We also recommend visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - this is one of the world's largest mosques.
Want to stay away from bustling cities? No problem - fly to Dalma Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi and learn about one of the earliest sites of human settlement in the UAE.
Best time to visit:
The best time to fly to the United Arab Emirates is usually from November to March. The weather isn't too hot or humid which means you'll be comfortable going sightseeing and travelling.
Domestic Flights in the UAE FAQs
How early do I need to check in and arrive for a domestic flight in the UAE?
This depends on the airline you're flying with. Air Arabia, flydubai and Eithad Airways all have different check-in times both online and at the airport. If you plan to check in online, you can do so with Air Arabia 36 hours before take-off, check in online with flydubai 48 hours before departure or check in online with Eithad Airways 30 hours before departure.
Check-in at the airport opens 3-4 hours before the flight is scheduled to depart with these airlines. We recommend arriving at the airport no later than 2 hours before the flight is scheduled to depart. This will give you time to check in any baggage and get through security.
Can I book domestic flights in the UAE online?
Yes! You can book your domestic flights in the UAE here at Alternative Airlines. With over 600 airlines available that you can book with and 40+ different ways to pay, we make flights accessible to all travellers. However, domestic flights in the UAE are only available with Air Arabia, flydubai and Etihad Airways as well as several charter airlines such as Rotana Jet.
Begin your search by using our search form at the top of the page. You can find out all of the cities in the UAE that you can fly to by typing in 'United Arab Emirates' in the departure or arrival airport field.
Can I book domestic flights in the UAE and pay later?
Why not? At Alternative Airlines, you can pay later for your domestic flights in the UAE with the flexible Buy Now Pay Later plans we offer at checkout, including Tabby and Postpay, among several others. This means you can book your domestic UAE flights today and spread the cost of your tickets over time!
Different payment options will appear at checkout depending on your country of residence and the currency you're paying in. Please read our Buy Now Pay Later guide for more information.
What airports fly domestically within the UAE?
If you're looking to travel domestically in the UAE, the following airports are available to fly between with various different airlines:
- Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
- Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
- Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT)
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
- Al Ain International Airport (AAN)
- Dalma Airport (ZDY)