Air Arabia Increases Capacity to Istanbul

Air Arabia is to increase the frequency of its flights between its primary hub Sharjah and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul. The airline currently offers four flights per week between the two cities, but from June 10 will increase this to a daily operation. It will offer a split schedule on the route with five flights departing the UAE in the evening and returning overnight and two operating during daylight hours.

"We are extremely pleased to announce the expansion of service between Sharjah and Istanbul, which will further enhance the air travel options for the residents of both States," said AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia. "In 2010, Air Arabia carried over 43,000 passengers on this route; this number reflects the ever growing appeal for Air Arabia flights between the two cities and we look forward to offering our customers with the best value for money travel options."

According to IATA data, an estimated 376,000 O&D passengers travelled between UAE and Turkey in the past year, up 17.8 per cent on the previous 12 month period. The busiest routes are Emirates Airline and Turkish Airlines’ links between Dubai and Istanbul Ataturk, although Air Arabia holds a 6 per cent share of the total traffic on its own flight. Notably, average fares on Air Arabia’s flights are less than half those charged by its rivals, providing a good alternative link between the two countries for price sensitive travellers.