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Travel between the United Arab Emirates and Italy is set to become smoother and more affordable as Air Arabia prepares to launch a new daily non stop route connecting Sharjah and Rome from July 1, 2026.
Key Details of Air Arabia’s New UAE–Italy Connection
Air Arabia has confirmed that it will introduce a daily non stop service between Sharjah International Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport starting July 1, 2026, deepening air links between the UAE and one of Europe’s most visited destinations. The move positions Rome as the carrier’s second Italian destination from Sharjah, following its established service to Milan Bergamo.
The route will be operated with Airbus A320neo aircraft, part of Air Arabia’s newer generation single aisle fleet. The type is known for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared with earlier models, while offering a quieter cabin and modern seating for passengers on the roughly six and a half to seven hour sector between the Gulf and the Italian capital.
By focusing on a point to point low cost model, Air Arabia aims to provide a competitively priced alternative to one stop services routed through larger hubs such as Dubai or Doha. The airline is marketing the new link as a practical option for UAE based residents, Italian expatriates, and regional travelers who can connect via Sharjah to reach Rome with a single ticket.
Sharjah’s location, north of Dubai, also positions the new service as an additional gateway for travelers from the northern Emirates, cutting surface travel time to the airport and distributing passenger flows more evenly across the UAE’s main aviation hubs.
Full Flight Schedule and Operating Pattern
According to the airline’s published timetable, the Sharjah to Rome service will run every day of the week, but with two different departure patterns to cater to varying travel needs. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, flight G9 0668 is scheduled to depart Sharjah at 07:55 local time, arriving at Rome Fiumicino at 12:35 local time, ideal for passengers looking to maximize their first day in the city or connect to early afternoon flights within Europe.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, Air Arabia will operate flight G9 0662 from Sharjah, with a later departure at 16:20 and arrival into Rome at 21:00. This timing is likely to appeal to business travelers or residents departing after a workday in the UAE, as well as leisure travelers who prefer evening arrivals and hotel check ins.
Westbound services are mirrored by two distinct Rome to Sharjah options. On the same Monday, Wednesday and Friday pattern, flight G9 0669 will leave Rome at 13:35 and land in Sharjah at 21:40, slotting into late evening bank connections at the UAE airport. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, flight G9 0663 is scheduled to depart Rome at 22:00 and arrive in Sharjah at 06:05 the following morning, convenient for passengers connecting onwards across the Middle East and South Asia.
All timings are published in local time and are subject to the usual adjustments linked to seasonal schedule changes and regulatory approvals. However, the daily frequency structure is designed to guarantee seven day coverage, ensuring that travelers between the UAE and the Italian capital have a consistent set of options throughout the week.
What This Means for Travelers Between the UAE and Italy
For leisure travelers, the new route opens a direct, low cost corridor into one of Europe’s most popular city break and cultural destinations. Rome’s Colosseum, Vatican City and historic neighborhoods are already strong magnets for visitors from the Gulf, and a non stop connection from Sharjah is expected to simplify itinerary planning and help reduce total travel time compared with itineraries that involve a change of aircraft.
The schedule also supports multi city trips pairing Rome with Milan Bergamo, which Air Arabia already serves non stop from Sharjah, and with other European cities reachable by short haul flights or rail. Passengers could, for instance, arrive in Rome, travel overland through Tuscany or northern Italy, and depart from Milan on the return leg, using Air Arabia services in both directions.
For the growing community of Italian residents and business travelers in the UAE, the daily link offers an additional choice beyond existing services from other carriers in the wider region. Direct flights into Rome Fiumicino, Italy’s main intercontinental gateway, improve access to domestic Italian routes as well as onward international connections operated by European and transatlantic airlines.
The new service is also expected to be attractive for budget conscious travelers connecting via Sharjah from destinations across Air Arabia’s wider network. With the carrier serving key markets such as Egypt, India, Pakistan and Central Asia, Rome could become a more accessible entry point for visitors from those countries looking to combine affordability with shorter overall itineraries.
Air Arabia’s Growing European Footprint
The launch of Sharjah to Rome marks a further step in Air Arabia’s strategy to expand across key European markets from its UAE base. In recent years, the airline has rolled out or consolidated services to cities such as Milan Bergamo, Athens, Vienna, Prague and Warsaw, using its single aisle Airbus fleet to connect secondary and primary European airports to Sharjah.
By adding Rome as a second Italian point, Air Arabia deepens its presence in a country that already enjoys strong tourism and trade links with the Gulf. Italy remains a favored summer and shoulder season destination for travelers from the UAE and wider region, while UAE based investors and exporters maintain significant business interests across Italian manufacturing, fashion, luxury goods and food sectors.
The Rome route is being introduced at a time when overall demand for Europe bound travel from the Gulf has risen, helped by relaxed entry requirements, a strong calendar of events, and the allure of cooler summer climates. Budget and hybrid carriers have been adding capacity to the continent, and Air Arabia’s move reflects this broader trend toward diversifying access points beyond traditional Western European hubs.
Industry observers note that Sharjah’s evolving role as a complementary hub to Dubai’s primary international airport is also a factor. As Air Arabia grows its network, additional European routes such as Rome help balance traffic flows and offer cost sensitive travelers an alternative without sacrificing non stop convenience.
Booking, Onboard Experience and Practical Tips
Seats on the new Sharjah–Rome flights are available through Air Arabia’s standard sales channels, including its website, mobile app, call centre and partner travel agencies. As with other routes, the airline follows an unbundled pricing model, allowing passengers to pay separately for extras such as checked baggage, seat selection and onboard meals, which can help keep base fares comparatively low.
On board, travelers can expect the carrier’s all economy cabin configuration on the Airbus A320neo, with buy on board food and beverages and access to Air Arabia’s in flight streaming service on personal devices. The airline also promotes its Air Rewards loyalty program, which allows frequent travelers to accumulate and redeem points on flights and ancillaries across the network, including the new Italian route.
Passengers planning to use the new service are advised to pay attention to visa and entry rules for Italy and the wider Schengen area, which vary by nationality. Travel experts also recommend booking peak summer dates well in advance, as July and August are traditionally high demand months for both outbound UAE tourists and inbound European visitors taking advantage of school holidays.
With its combination of daily frequency, non stop convenience and low cost model, Air Arabia’s upcoming Sharjah–Rome link is poised to become a significant new option for travelers moving between the Gulf and Italy, offering a fresh gateway into Europe from one of the region’s fastest growing aviation hubs.