Sharjah: Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, Saturday announced the launch of its service to the city of Najaf, Iraq, from its hub in Sharjah.
Najaf is Air Arabia's first destination in Iraq. Flights between the two cities will operate twice a week starting June 8.
With the addition of this new destination, Air Arabia now serves 64 routes from three hubs in the UAE, Morocco and its latest hub in Egypt, where service was launched on June 1.
Air Arabia flights now span the Middle East, North Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Africa, Central Asia and Europe.
Roundtrip flights now operate twice per week between Najaf and Sharjah.
The low-cost carrier flies to Najaf on Tuesdays and Fridays, departing from Sharjah at 8.40am and arriving in Najaf at 10am.
On the same days, return flights depart Najaf at 10.45am and arrive in Sharjah at 13.40pm.
"The launch of [a] direct service to Najaf, our first destination in Iraq, marks another milestone in Air Arabia's history," said Sherif Attia, Chief Operating Officer of Air Arabia's Sharjah hub.
"Iraq has great potential as a destination for business and personal travellers, as well as long-term growth potential for religious and cultural tourism. Air Arabia's entry into the country will only boost such prospects.
"Passengers travelling to Najaf can now experience the benefits of travelling with Air Arabia through our market-leading low fares, comfort and convenience."
Tourism plays a significant role in Najaf, contributing 30 per cent of its gross domestic product.
Agriculture and the industrial sector are also prominent contributors to the growing city's economy which has a population of 614,997.
