Air Arabia Abu Dhabi to start seasonal flights to Russia’s Yekaterinburg

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is set to debut direct seasonal flights from Abu Dhabi to Russian city Yekaterinburg, marking the second Russian city the airline now serves after Moscow.

 

Driven by surging demand, with UAE travellers to Moscow tripling from 18,000 in 2019 to over 62,000 in 2024, Air Arabia’s new service aims to meet the strong appetite for Russian destinations and deepen bilateral ties.

 

Twice-weekly flights will operate every Monday and Friday, starting 27 October 2025 and continuing through 27 March 2026. 

 

The service will depart Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi at 02:00 and land at Koltsovo International Airport (SVX) in Yekaterinburg at 08:05. The return service leaves SVX at 09:05, arriving back in AUH at 13:30.

 

Yekaterinburg, the fourth-largest city in Russia and gateway to the Ural Mountains, combines historic charm, a modern cityscape and cultural highlights.

 

Travellers can explore world-class museums, striking Soviet architecture, vibrant theatres and the city’s renowned culinary scene, while nature enthusiasts will find easy access to the dramatic Urals and nearby ski resorts, a draw for winter holidays.

 

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This introduction brings the airline’s total network out of Abu Dhabi to 29 international routes, including recent services to Indian city Ahmedabad, Tbilisi in Georgia, Salalah in Oman, Almaty in Kazakhstan and Yerevan in Armenia, and follows expanded frequencies in destinations across Pakistan, Central Asia and North Africa.

 

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi – a joint venture with Etihad Airways – has had a particularly active period and plans a 40% increase in capacity in 2025, capitalising on shifting market conditions. 

 

This move comes as budget rival Wizz Air prepares its 1 September exit from Abu Dhabi and the wider region after five years, opening up new opportunities for other carriers.

 

“As we look ahead to the rest of 2025, our focus remains on expanding connectivity, entering new markets, and further enhancing operational efficiency and innovation,” Al Thani added.

 

“We remain committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers and generating sustainable, long-term returns for our shareholders.”

 

For more information, visit www.airarabia.com