UAE: Air Arabia expands Ras Al Khaimah operations with new direct route to Kazan, Russia

In a move that strengthens ties between the United Arab Emirates and Russia, Air Arabia has inaugurated its first direct flight from Ras Al Khaimah to Kazan . The new service reflects both the emirate’s ambitions as a global aviation hub and the airline’s steady expansion across key international markets.

A new connection between the UAE and Russia

Air Arabia officially launched its non-stop service linking Ras Al Khaimah and Kazan with an inaugural flight celebrated at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. The ceremony, attended by senior representatives from Air Arabia and airport officials, marked another milestone in the carrier’s growing presence from its northern emirate base.

The route, now operational on a weekly schedule, offers passengers a direct, affordable, and efficient link between the two cities. The airline described the launch as a response to increasing demand for both leisure and business travel between the UAE and Russia, underscoring the importance of expanding access beyond traditional gateways.

Strengthening Air Arabia’s presence in Russia

Adel Al Ali , Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said the new service reinforces the airline’s commitment to deepening its footprint in the Russian market.

“The launch of our new service between Ras Al Khaimah and Kazan further strengthens Air Arabia’s presence in the Russian market,” Al Ali said. “This new route underscores our commitment to offering customers affordable and reliable air travel while supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s continued growth as a key hub for tourism and trade.”

The Kazan route becomes Air Arabia’s third destination in Russia from Ras Al Khaimah, joining Moscow and Yekaterinburg . The expansion highlights not only the airline’s confidence in the Russian sector but also Ras Al Khaimah’s growing stature as a tourism and investment centre in the UAE.

A broader strategy of growth

Air Arabia stated that the new connection aligns with its strategy to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s position as an international aviation gateway. The airline’s expanding network now provides travellers with more affordable and direct connections spanning the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

As the UAE’s only publicly listed low-cost carrier , Air Arabia currently operates from five major hubs: Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Alexandria, and Casablanca, serving more than 190 routes worldwide.

Kazan, one of Russia’s oldest and most dynamic cities, now joins this growing network, reinforcing the strong tourism and trade links between the UAE and Russia. The route’s addition symbolises both nations’ shared interest in expanding connectivity and broadening economic exchange.

A step forward for Ras Al Khaimah

For Ras Al Khaimah, the new route represents another step in its ongoing effort to position itself as a key aviation and tourism hub in the region. With a network now spanning major Russian cities, the emirate stands to benefit from increased visitor traffic, investment, and cultural exchange.

The introduction of the Ras Al Khaimah–Kazan service signals not just another route on Air Arabia’s map, but a tangible connection strengthening regional mobility and international cooperation.