Air Arabia Cancellation Policy: Full Guide To Refunds And Fees

When it comes to low-cost carriers in the Middle East, Air Arabia stands out with its extensive network and budget-friendly fares. However, travel plans can change unexpectedly, and understanding the Air Arabia cancellation policy becomes essential for a seamless experience. Whether you're dealing with a sudden emergency or a change in schedule, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about cancelling Air Arabia tickets and securing refunds or credits.

Understanding the Air Arabia Cancellation Policy

The Air Arabia cancellation policy is designed to offer travelers flexibility while maintaining the carrier’s low-fare structure. Since Air Arabia operates as a low-cost airline, cancellations and refunds are subject to specific terms and conditions that vary based on the fare type and timing of the request.

• Flight cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before scheduled departure.

• No cancellations or refunds are permitted within 24 hours of flight departure.

• Refunds, where applicable, are made in the form of a travel credit (Air Arabia Credit Shell).

It’s important to note that only bookings made directly through Air Arabia’s website, mobile app, or call center are eligible for direct cancellation. Tickets booked via third-party travel agencies must be canceled through those agencies.

Cancellation Windows and Associated Fees

Understanding the timeline for cancellations is critical in minimizing penalties and ensuring you get the most out of your booking.

More Than 72 Hours Before Departure

• Cancellations made more than 72 hours prior to flight time incur a cancellation fee.

• The remaining balance is refunded as Air Arabia Credit Shell, valid for 12 months.

• Taxes and ancillary services may be refundable depending on fare rules.

Between 24 and 72 Hours Before Departure

• The cancellation fee is higher compared to the earlier window.

• Refund is still provided in Credit Shell, minus applicable charges.

Less Than 24 Hours Before Departure

• No cancellation or refund is permitted.

• In case of a no-show, the full fare is forfeited.

Air Arabia Flexi Fare and Cancellation Benefits

Air Arabia offers an optional Flexi Fare that significantly enhances cancellation benefits:

• Unlimited free changes to date and destination up to 8 hours before departure.

• Lower cancellation charges than standard fare bookings.

• Greater refund eligibility, especially for travel credits.

Passengers who anticipate changes to their itinerary should consider booking the Flexi Fare for enhanced flexibility under the Air Arabia cancellation policy.

How to Cancel a Booking with Air Arabia

To cancel your Air Arabia flight, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the official websit.

2. Navigate to the ‘Manage Booking’ section.

3. Enter your booking reference and last name.

4. Select the flight you wish to cancel.

5. Review cancellation fees and confirm the refund to Credit Shell.

Alternatively, cancellations can also be processed via:

• The Air Arabia mobile app

• Customer support hotline

• Authorized sales centers

Always remember to check the specific fare conditions tied to your booking before proceeding.

Air Arabia Refund Policy Under Cancellation Rules

Unlike full-service carriers, Air Arabia does not provide cash or card refunds. Instead:

• All eligible refunds are processed as Credit Shell.

• Credit Shell can be used for future bookings within 12 months from the date of issuance.

• If you cancel a flight, the credit issued will include the ticket cost minus the cancellation fee.

• No refund is offered for promotional fares or last-minute cancellations.

In special cases such as death, serious illness, or government travel bans, Air Arabia may consider refund exceptions. Relevant documents (e.g., death certificate, medical proof) must be submitted for evaluation.

Special Cancellation Provisions During COVID-19 or Force Majeure

During global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Arabia cancellation policy adapted to offer more traveler-friendly options:

• Full fare credited to Credit Shell for bookings impacted by travel restrictions.

• Extended validity of Credit Shell up to 18-24 months in some cases.

• Waiver of standard cancellation charges under specific scenarios.

Always check current travel alerts and policies, as these provisions may change based on regional regulations.

Air Arabia Group: Country-Specific Cancellation Policies

Air Arabia operates several subsidiaries like Air Arabia Maroc, Air Arabia Egypt, and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi. While the general cancellation framework remains consistent, some localized variations exist:

Air Arabia Maroc

• Credit Shell valid in MAD (Moroccan Dirham).

• Local contact centers handle cancellation processing.

Air Arabia Egypt

• Domestic cancellations might attract different fees.

• All refund credits processed in EGP (Egyptian Pound).

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi

• Follows UAE-specific aviation laws.

• GCC nationals may receive faster credit turnaround.

Be sure to refer to the local Air Arabia portal for country-specific details.

Tips to Avoid Cancellation Charges

Here are some expert recommendations to help minimize or avoid cancellation penalties:

• Purchase Flexi Fare at the time of booking.

• Cancel at least 72 hours in advance to incur the lowest fee.

• Use Air Rewards loyalty points for bookings, which may come with lenient cancellation options.

• Keep an eye on Air Arabia’s promotional campaigns—they sometimes waive change and cancellation fees.

Planning ahead and understanding the fine print in the Air Arabia cancellation policy can make a significant difference in your travel budget.

Contacting Air Arabia for Cancellations

For assistance with cancellations or refund requests, Air Arabia provides multiple contact channels:

• Phone: Call the Air Arabia support center in your country.

• Online Chat: Available through the official website.

• Email: Use the contact form or email customer service with your booking reference.

• Airport Ticket Offices: For in-person assistance and urgent changes.

It’s recommended to have your PNR number and personal identification ready when reaching out.

Conclusion

The Air Arabia cancellation policy offers a structured and transparent approach to flight cancellations, balancing flexibility with cost-efficiency. While refunds are primarily provided as Credit Shell, understanding the policy’s terms allows passengers to optimize value and avoid unnecessary losses. Whether you're a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, staying informed about Air Arabia’s rules ensures peace of mind when plans change.