UAE’s new low-cost airline Air Arabia Abu Dhabi to begin flights on July 14

The UAE’s new low cost airline Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will begin operations on July 14, 2020, with direct flights to Egypt.

The inaugural flight will take off from Abu Dhabi to Alexandria on July 14, followed by flights to Sohag the next day.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will start its operations with two Airbus A320 aircraft based in Abu Dhabi International Airport, offering the same product and services provided by Air Arabia across its hubs, a statement said.

Flights to Alexandria’s Borg Al Arab International Airport will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing from Abu Dhabi International Airport at 3pm and arriving in Alexandria at 4.55pm.

The return flights will depart Alexandria at 5.35pm, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 11.25pm local time.

Flights to Sohag International Airport will depart Abu Dhabi every Wednesday at 2.20pm, arriving in the Egyptian city at 4pm. The return flight will depart from Sohag at 4.40pm local time, arriving in the UAE capital at 10.10pm.

The airline will adhere to all local and international guidelines to ensure the required safety protocols and health measures, the statement added.

Read: New UAE low cost carrier Air Arabia Abu Dhabi gets ‘operating certificate’

Tony Douglas, group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “In these extraordinary times, it gives us great pride to launch Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capital’s first low-cost carrier. This joint venture between Etihad and Air Arabia will offer greater convenience and direct access to the UAE’s thriving capital for new markets worldwide, beginning with two key Egyptian routes, and expanding in time.”

Adel Al Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia, added: “Egypt is a key travel market and the launch of the first flights reflects our focus on supporting commercial and trade ties between both nations while providing our customers with a new value-for-money option to travel between both countries.

“Abu Dhabi is a major travel and tourism hub and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will further serve this vision by positioning Abu Dhabi as a key hub in the region for low-cost travel. We look forward to expanding Air Arabia Abu Dhabi destination network as more airports open up and flights resume.”

He added: “While the global aviation sector continues to witness unprecedented challenges due to Covid-19 pandemic, this step is a testament to the strength of the UAE aviation sector and our commitment to its long-term prospects.”

Tickets can be booked directly on Air Arabia’s website, the call centre or through travel agencies.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi was formed following an agreement by Etihad Airways and Air Arabia to establish an independent joint venture company that will operate as a low-cost passenger airline with Abu Dhabi International Airport as its hub.

The capital’s first low-cost carrier follows the business model of Air Arabia and will complement the services of Etihad Airways.