Can You Fly with Pets on Air Arabia?

Air Arabia operates flights across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. If you're planning to travel with your dog or cat, you'll need to understand Air Arabia's pet policies before booking. This guide covers cabin travel, checked baggage, and cargo options based on industry-standard regulations that apply to Air Arabia flights.

Important: Air Arabia's specific pet policies are still being verified. The information below reflects industry standards that typically apply to airlines in this region. Always contact Air Arabia directly at their customer service desk to confirm current policies for your specific route and pet before making travel arrangements.

Cabin Travel with Your Pet

Traveling with your pet in the cabin is the most comfortable option for both you and your animal. However, cabin space is limited and strict rules apply.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your pet carrier must meet these dimensions:

  • Maximum length: 45.7 cm (18 inches)
  • Maximum width: 27.9 cm (11 inches)
  • Maximum height: 27.9 cm (11 inches)
  • Combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg (17.6 lbs)

The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Soft-sided carriers are required for cabin travel — hard-sided crates won't fit in the cabin space. Your carrier must have adequate ventilation with mesh panels on the sides so your pet can breathe easily throughout the flight.

Inside the carrier, place an absorbent mat or liner to manage any accidents during the flight. This is a standard requirement across airlines.

Age and Health Requirements

Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before cabin travel. A health certificate issued by a veterinarian is mandatory — this must be dated within 10 days of your departure. Don't wait until the last minute; get it as close to your travel date as possible, as some destinations may require it within 7 days.

Pregnant animals are not accepted for air travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is visibly pregnant, contact Air Arabia before attempting to book.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Dogs and Cats

Air Arabia, like most airlines, restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks at altitude. These breeds cannot travel in the cabin.

Restricted dog breeds include: Bulldogs (all types), Pugs (all types), French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, Chow Chows, Shar Peis, Mastiffs (all types), Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bullies, Affenpinschers, Brussels Griffons, English Toy Spaniels, Japanese Chins, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Cane Corsos.

Restricted cat breed: Persian cats are typically restricted. If you have a Persian or mixed-breed cat with Persian features, check with Air Arabia before booking.

If your dog or cat is on this list, see the brachycephalic breed flying guide for alternatives.

Booking and Limits

You must pre-book your pet in advance — you cannot simply arrive at the airport with a pet. Air Arabia limits cabin pets to one pet carrier per passenger. Airlines restrict the total number of pets per flight, so book early.

Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel because a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide.

Checked Baggage Travel

If your pet is too large or too heavy for cabin travel, checked baggage may be an option. We're still verifying Air Arabia's specific checked baggage pet policy — contact them directly to confirm availability.

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage

Checked baggage carriers must meet IATA standards:

  • Hard-sided crate required (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides per IATA regulations
  • Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Live Animals labels with orientation arrows on all sides
  • Absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents

Age and Health Requirements

Pets traveling in checked baggage must be at least 10 weeks old (older than cabin pets). A health certificate issued within 10 days of departure is required.

Temperature Restrictions

Air Arabia will not accept pets in checked baggage if temperatures exceed safety limits:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — no travel if tarmac temperatures at origin or destination exceed this
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) — no travel in extreme cold unless your vet provides an acclimation certificate

This is critical during summer months in hot climates. If you're traveling to or from a hot destination, check the forecast and consider alternative travel dates.

Breed and Pregnancy Restrictions

Brachycephalic breeds are also restricted for checked baggage travel. Pregnant animals are not accepted.

Booking Requirements

Pre-booking is mandatory for checked baggage pets as well. Contact Air Arabia in advance to arrange this service.

Cargo Travel

For larger pets or long-distance relocations, cargo may be available. We're still verifying Air Arabia's cargo pet policy — contact them directly for details.

Cargo Carrier Standards

Cargo carriers must be hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates with:

  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • Attached water bowl or trough
  • Live Animals labels with orientation arrows
  • Absorbent mat or liner inside

Age, Health, and Restrictions

Cargo pets must be at least 10 weeks old with a health certificate dated within 10 days of departure. Brachycephalic breeds and pregnant animals are not accepted. Temperature embargoes apply: no travel above 29.4°C (85°F) or below -6.7°C (20°F) without special acclimation certificates.

Service Animals and Assistance Dogs

Service animals follow a separate policy from regular pets. Documentation is required to travel with an assistance animal. Contact Air Arabia directly with proof of your animal's training and certification.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin carrier max dimensions: 45.7 cm × 27.9 cm × 27.9 cm (18" × 11" × 11")
  • Cabin max weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
  • Minimum age for cabin: 8 weeks
  • Minimum age for checked/cargo: 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1 carrier
  • Cabin carrier type: Soft-sided only
  • Checked/cargo carrier type: Hard-sided only

What You Need to Do

  • Contact Air Arabia directly to confirm current pet policies and availability for your specific route. Call their customer service or visit their website.
  • Verify your pet's breed against the brachycephalic restrictions list if you have a snub-nosed dog or Persian cat.
  • Schedule a vet appointment 10-14 days before departure to obtain a health certificate. Don't wait until the last week.
  • Measure and weigh your pet and carrier together to ensure they meet cabin limits (8 kg combined).
  • Purchase an appropriate carrier — soft-sided for cabin, hard-sided for checked/cargo. Ensure it has ventilation and fits the size requirements.
  • Add an absorbent mat or liner inside the carrier before travel.
  • Pre-book your pet with Air Arabia as early as possible. Do not assume you can bring a pet without advance arrangement.
  • Check temperature forecasts for your departure and arrival cities, especially during summer or winter travel.
  • Do not sedate your pet unless explicitly instructed by both your veterinarian and Air Arabia.
  • Prepare your pet for travel by acclimating them to the carrier in the weeks before your flight.

Additional Resources

For more detailed guidance, see our flying with a dog guide, documents checklist, and brachycephalic breed guide. If you're concerned about costs, review our pet travel cost guide.

Traveling with pets on other airlines? Check policies for Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, and other carriers.

Get Professional Help

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — they'll help you navigate documentation, booking, and logistics for your pet's journey.

Important Note

This guide is based on industry-standard pet travel regulations verified as of April 10, 2026. Air Arabia's specific policies are still being confirmed. Always contact Air Arabia directly before booking to verify current rules for your route, pet type, and travel dates. Policies change, and airline-specific details may differ from industry standards. Don't rely solely on this guide — confirm with the airline.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 11, 2026