Air Arabia touches down in Baghdad

Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, yesterday launched non-stop service to the Iraqi Capital, Baghdad, from the carrier's main hub in Sharjah, UAE. The inaugural flight and delegation was marked by the attendance of Air Arabia Chairman, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed Al Thani, and Air Arabia Group Chief Executive Officer, Adel Ali along with the Iraqi Consul General, guests from the trade community and members of the press. The flight was accompanied by receptions in both Sharjah and Baghdad airports followed by a press conference in Baghdad City. The low-cost pioneer will start three weekly services between Sharjah and Baghdad to be increased to five weekly services in the coming weeks. Flights depart from Sharjah International Airport at 14:30 and arrives Baghdad International Airport at 16:10. Return flights on the same days will depart Baghdad at 16:50 and arrive in Sharjah at 20:05 (local time). Driven by ever-increasing demand from business travellers, Iraq has become a key destination for Air Arabia over the last year, which is why the carrier now operates 17 services to the country every week. Baghdad is the latest addition to Air Arabia's network in Iraq that includes Basra, Erbil, and Najaf.