Looking for the best airlines from the Middle East? Here I will not only provide a list of airlines in the Middle East, but I will also let you know where each of these airlines is based. This article will dive into luxury airlines and even low coast carriers in the Middle East so that you can plan the best route – and save some cash – on your trip.
Some of my best travel memories have come from solo travel in the Middle East.
I love the intricate architecture, the vast sandy deserts, and the bit of mystery that I still feel in these magical countries.
If you have been here for a while, you already know that I frequent places like Doha, Qatar and Dubai in the UAE. In fact, I can’t get enough.
And if you made it here, then chances are, you are looking to visit this region, too.
So let’s talk about some of your options when it comes to airlines in the Middle East. We’ll cover where these airlines are based and which ones are budget and low-cost options.
That way, you can make the best choice of airline for your upcoming trip. Let’s get into it!
A List of Airlines in the Middle East
Let’s start with the basics: a simple list of airlines in the Middle East, as well as a few pertinent facts about each one.
Note – this list of Middle Eastern airlines is in alphabetical order, based on its country of origin. See middle column for A-Z names.
| Airline Name | Country | Additional Info | ||
| Gulf Air | Bahrain | national carrier | ||
| Iran Air | Iran | national carrier | ||
| Mahan Air | Iran | |||
| Fly Baghdad | Iraq | |||
| Iraqi Airways | Iraq | national carrier | ||
| Arkia | Israel | |||
| El Al | Israel | national carrier | ||
| Israir Airlines | Israel | |||
| Jordan Aviation | Jordan | low-cost carrier | ||
| Royal Jordanian | Jordan | national carrier | ||
| Jazeera Airways | Kuwait | low-cost carrier | ||
| Kuwait Airways | Kuwait | national carrier | ||
| Middle East Airlines | Lebanon | national carrier | ||
| Oman Air | Oman | national carrier | ||
| SalamAir | Oman | low-cost carrier | ||
| Qatar Airways | Qatar | national carrier | ||
| Flyadeal | Saudi Arabia | low-cost carrier | ||
| Flynas | Saudi Arabia | low-cost carrier | ||
| Riyadh Air | Saudi Arabia | |||
| Saudia | Saudi Arabia | national carrier | ||
| Cham Wings Airlines | Syria | |||
| Syrian Air | Syria | national carrier | ||
| Air Arabia | United Arab Emirates | low-cost carrier, subsidiaries: Air Arabia Maroc, Air Arabia Egypt, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi | ||
| Emirates | United Arab Emirates | |||
| Etihad Airways | United Arab Emirates | national carrier | ||
| flydubai | United Arab Emirates | low-cost carrier | ||
| Yemenia | Yemen | national carrier |
Middle East Airlines: Dubai & UAE Based
The United Arab Emirates has four different airlines based within its tiny country.
- Air Arabia
- Emirates
- Etihad
- flyDubai
I have flown on all four of these airlines many times in the past decade. Here is what to expect on each.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia is based in the emirate of Sharjah, though some routes do fly into (and out of) other emirates airports.
It is a low cost carrier. While that means it is generally “no frills,” Air Arabia has an impressive array of routes throughout the Middle East.
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Emirates
Emirates is easily the most well-known of all the airlines in the UAE, and for good reason. The flagship carrier is frequently voted as one of the best airlines in the world!
With clean and fresh interiors, the flights are comfortable and the staff well trained. They will help you with just about anything you need.
The food is superb, at least as far as airplane food goes. And, the entertainment systems always have a lot to offer in a variety of languages.
Emirates is based in Dubai and has non-stop flights across six continents, to more than 150 cities in 80 countries.
Etihad
Etihad is another ultra-luxe UAE airline, but this one is based in Abu Dhabi, the nations capital.
This is another airline that is frequently ranked as one of the best worldwide. The planes are well taken care of and the staff is helpful and kind.
Etihad has an impressive list of routes as well, and travels to over 120 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.
You May Also Like: Abu Dhabi Vs. Dubai: Which is Better?
flyDubai
flyDubai is a subsidiary of Emirates. They currently fly the second largest amount of passengers through Dubai International Airport (DXB) behind Emirates.
flyDubai is a low cost carrier, and while it is true that the interiors are not luxurious like Emirates, they will get you where you need to go.
flyDubai services 120 destinations across 52 countries and they’re consistently adding new routes to their network as they grow. If you are already visiting Dubai, they are an excellent option to explore the surrounding countries.
Pro Tip: You can sometimes find the same route as Emirates for significantly cheaper on flyDubai. Be sure to price compare before purchasing.
Middle East Airlines: Qatar Based
Qatar has one flagship carrier – Qatar Airways. They are very well known for their luxurious Q-Suites and luxurious amenities for first and business class passengers.
At the time of writing, I have experienced Qatar Airways economy offerings, and I must say, they were fabulous. Qatar’s economy class was right on par with Emirates and Etihad.
If you are flying through the Middle East, I highly recommend taking advantage of a stopover in Doha. These are typically easily arranged through the airline.
Pro Tip: There are so many fun things to do in Doha! From nature to culture to art, it is all here. You can experience everything from a short layover tour to I have an entire guide on how to plan a Doha stopover, too, if you need some help.
Middle East Airlines: Lebanon Based
Lebanon’s own airline is actually called Middle East Airlines, so that keeps things easy!
However, they don’t just operate flights in the Middle East. Though not as widespread as Qatar Airways or Emirates, for example, MEA holds its own in the region.
The airline operates international flights to both year round and seasonal destinations throughout Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
How Many Airlines Are In the Middle East?
There are 27 airlines from the Middle East, depending on how you define the region. This includes both luxury and low coast carriers, all listed above.
Which Is the Best Middle Eastern Airline?
The best Middle Eastern airline by ranking is Qatar Airways, as stated by the World Airline Awards.
The top five are as follows:
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
- Oman Air
What Are “The Big Three” Arab Airlines?
The Big Three Middle East airlines are Emirates, based in Dubai; Etihad, an airline based in Abu Dhabi; and Qatar Airways, an airline based in Doha.
All three airlines use a hub and spoke model, with routes flying directly our from their base airports.
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Which Is the Largest Airline in the Middle East?
The largest airline in the Middle East is Emirates, which operates flights between Dubai and more than 80 countries. It is the flagship carrier of Dubai, and is known to be the ultimate in luxury.
Which Is a 5-Star Airline in Middle East?
Qatar Airways is a certified 5-Star Airline due to the quality of its onboard experience. The service, comfort, and amenities are some of the best in the business.
The 5-star certification comes after reviewing the seats, amenities, meals, entertainment, cleanliness, and service. This rating applies to both cabin service and ground staff.
What Is the Safest Airline in the Middle East?
Three Middle Eastern airlines have been recognized as some of the safest in the world. Etihad, Qatar Airways and Emirates have all been listed as three of the safest in the entire world.
What Is the Newest Airline in the Middle East?
Riyadh Air in Saudi Arabia is the newest airline in the Middle East. It was founded in March of 2023.
What Is the Middle East’s Leading Low Cost Carrier?
Had I guessed, I would have said flyDubai. But, I would have been wrong!
flynas, the Saudi low-cost airline, is the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East. In fact, it has been nominated for and kept its leading position as the Best Low Cost Carrier in the Middle East for the sixth time running, in 2023.
What airlines Fly From the USA to the Middle East?
These airlines fly from the United States of America to the Middle East. Note that not all are USA-based, but all have routes between the USA and Middle Eastern countries.
- Aer Lingus
- Air Canada
- Air China
- Air France
- Air India
- British Airways
- Finnair
- Condor Condor
- Delta Air Lines
- Emirates
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Etihad Airways
- ITA Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- Sichuan Airlines
Which Is My Personal Favorite Airline in the Middle East?
In my honest opinion, you are going to get a top tier product when booking with Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad. All three have consistently impressed me with their comfort and service, each and every time I have flown them.
So if you are looking for quality and comfort, you can’t go wrong with any of them. I would recommend to book based on who has the better route to where you are heading.
Pro Tip: Open to considering multiple destinations? Check out my comparisons of Doha vs. Dubai and Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi to help you make your choice!
If you are looking to choose based on budget alone, I would suggest to compare routes on either flyDubai, Air Arabia, and flynas.
All have impressive route options and budget prices. It is simply a matter of luck and timing to see who has the best deal for your given dates and destination.
Final Thoughts: Airlines from the Middle East
No matter which country you are headed to within the Middle East, the airlines listed above all have something to offer.
From world-class service to the ultimate in luxury to the lowest cost around, you have plenty of options.
So let me know below – where are you headed, and what airline will you choose?
Need some Middle East planning resources? Check out these guides!
- Reasons to Visit Dubai
- Solo Female Travel in Dubai
- A Complete Doha Layover and Stopover Guide
- The Best Things To Do in Doha
- Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai
- One Day in Istanbul
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