UAE budget carrier turns up the heat on Caucasus travel as temperatures soar at home
Looking to escape the blistering UAE summer without breaking the bank or burning your leave days? Good news: getting to Georgia and Azerbaijan just got a whole lot easier, thanks to Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s newest move.
The low-cost airline is expanding its flight schedule to two of the Caucasus region’s most popular cities — Tbilisi and Baku — giving UAE travelers more chances to cool down in cobblestone charm and Caspian breezes.
Double down on Tbilisi: more flights, more flexibility
Starting August 7, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will operate eight weekly flights to Tbilisi, including double-daily service every Thursday — a strategic boost that lines up perfectly for long weekend escapes.
The Georgian capital, with its hilltop churches, thermal baths, and soul-warming khachapuri, has quietly become one of the most visited destinations for Gulf travelers in recent years. And not just for the cooler climate — though that helps.
For many UAE residents, Tbilisi ticks all the boxes:
• Visa-on-arrival or visa-free access for many passport holders
• Temperatures in the 20s°C while Abu Dhabi swelters above 45°C
• A mix of wine country, hiking trails, and urban cafés — all within a 30-minute drive
It’s no surprise the route has seen growing demand. The new double-daily Thursday flights signal the airline’s confidence in that interest, especially among those craving a quick in-and-out reset.
Baku gets a boost too — and it’s all about food, flair, and fresh air
Air Arabia isn’t stopping at Georgia. Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital and another Gulf favorite, is also getting an upgrade. Flights to Baku will now run six times a week, daily except Monday, from Zayed International Airport.
One-sentence update? No Mondays. Everything else? Go for it.
Baku offers a sleek contrast to Tbilisi’s old-world vibes — it’s modern, glitzy, and surprisingly diverse. There’s the flaming skyline, yes, but also a fast-evolving food scene with everything from caviar-topped pastries to street-side kebabs.
Not to mention, it’s breezier by the Caspian Sea than most places in the UAE right now.
Where it all takes off: Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International
All flights on these expanded routes take off from Zayed International Airport, formerly Abu Dhabi International. That’s key for many capital-based travelers who’ve grown tired of long treks to Dubai just to catch affordable outbound flights.
The strategic use of Zayed International gives Air Arabia Abu Dhabi a niche edge. While other budget airlines are split across Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is building a fortress in the capital.
That means less stress. Less driving. Less logistics.
And for the spontaneous traveler? That means more impulse-friendly getaways.
A closer look at what Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is building
This isn’t just about two cities. It’s part of a broader growth story.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is growing at a pace that’s grabbing attention in the regional aviation market. With 12 Airbus A320s already in rotation and two more aircraft expected before the end of 2025, the carrier is spreading its wings in key directions.
Here’s what’s been added in the last few months:
| Destination | Country | Flights Per Week | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi | Georgia | 8 | Double daily on Thursdays |
| Baku | Azerbaijan | 6 | No service on Mondays |
| Almaty | Kazakhstan | 3 | New Central Asia focus emerging |
| Yerevan | Armenia | 3 | Historical and adventure travel appeal |
Each of these cities offers something distinct, yet they all tap into the same idea: somewhere cooler, greener, and more cultural than what most UAE residents experience day to day.
Travelers are loving the mix of value and vibe
“It’s the combo of short flight, visa ease, and affordable pricing,” said Laila Farouq, a 34-year-old Egyptian expat in Abu Dhabi who booked a last-minute trip to Yerevan last month. “I don’t need to plan three months in advance — I booked on a Tuesday and left Friday.”
That’s a sentiment shared across travel forums in the UAE. The mix of low-cost options and climate relief is pushing more people to look north — beyond Europe’s tourist hordes, but still within a few hours’ reach.
One travel agent in Al Wahda Mall told us, “These destinations have become our summer bread and butter. Every third customer asks for Tbilisi or Baku.”
And because most flights are under 4 hours, even families with kids are starting to choose these over traditional long-haul destinations.
The bigger picture: UAE airlines are making the Caucasus their turf
There’s more than one player in the game, though.
Flydubai, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and even Qatar Airways all offer flights to this region. But Air Arabia Abu Dhabi seems to be playing the consistency game. Fewer frills, sure. But they’re building out a tight, frequent, no-layover network that’s getting the attention of budget-savvy flyers.
By focusing on underserved (yet high-interest) regional routes, the airline is carving out a clear identity — and one that doesn’t lean too hard on leisure seasonality.
They’re not betting the house on Europe or Southeast Asia. Instead, they’re doubling down on Central Asia, the Caucasus, and accessible alternatives that feel far — but fly close.
