Air Arabia set to land in Bangalore

Air Arabia set to land in Bangalore
Staff Report GULF NEWS Published: October 08, 2007, 23:16

Dubai: Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), will begin its service to the south Indian city of Bangalore on October 15, a company statement said yesterday.

The flights will initially operate four times per week between Bangalore and Air Arabia's hub in Sharjah. From October 29, the frequency will be increased to daily.

Flights to Bangalore will leave Sharjah at 10:50pm local time and arrive in Bangalore at 4:20am local time. Return flights will leave Bangalore at 5:05am local time and arrive in Sharjah at 7:50am local time.

Kyle Haywood, commercial director, Air Arabia said: "Our rapidly expanding route destination network between India and the Middle East answers a growing need for passengers travelling between the two economically vibrant regions. We seek to give those who travel between these two regions low-cost fares along with the highest quality of service possible, whether they travel for business, holidays or to see family and friends."

Expanding network

Bangalore is Air Arabia's ninth destination in India, and increases Air Arabia's total destinations to 37, a destination network that stretches from Eastern Europe, through the Middle East and North Africa, to South Asia.

Bangalore is India's third most populous city and a major economic hub for the country. With its addition to Air Arabia's 11 other destinations in South Asia, Air Arabia has become one of the leading low-cost carriers serving this growing region.

Bangalore is one of India's most dynamic cities, and has been India's leading centre for information technology, earning the nickname the 'Silicon Valley of India'. In addition to being at the forefront of India's technology revolution, Bangalore is also considered the 'Garden City of India' due to its lush climate, extensive vegetation and many public parks.

An ancient city, it was first mentioned in literature in the ninth century as part of the Ganga Kingdom. Then it was called 'Bengaval-uru' or the 'City of Guards'.

"We are pleased to add Bangalore to our low-cost flight network within India. With the large Indian expatriate population living in the Gulf countries, this new flight route represents even more low-cost convenience for those who have family, friends and homes in both these regions," Haywood said.

Air Arabia, established in February 2003 by an Amiri decree, began operations in October of the same year. Based in Sharjah and with a fleet of ten Airbus A320 aircraft, Air Arabia serves 36 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia.