Air Arabia takes off to Goa, India

The launch of this new destination reflects Air Arabia's growing expansion into the Indian market.

Roundtrip flights will operate three times per week between Dabolim International Airport in Goa and Air Arabia's hub in Sharjah. Air Arabia is now the only UAE-based international carrier to offer direct flights to Goa from the UAE.

The LCC will fly to Goa on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing Sharjah at 00:25 AM and arriving at Goa at 5:05 AM. Return flights will depart Goa at 5:50 AM and arrive in Sharjah at 7:35 AM.

Air Arabia's first destination in the Indian state of Goa is also the carrier's 13th destination in India. In total, Air Arabia will serve 46 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia and the Southern Europe, including Athens. Greece, when service to that European city commences on April 21, 2009.

AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia, said:

"We are delighted to now offer non-stop service between Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE, and Goa, one of the great heritage cities of India. Today, even more members of the large Indian expatriate population living in the UAE and GCC can take advantage of our extensive Middle Eastern and international network. We now serve 13 destinations in India, and are keen on continuously providing the best value-for-money service to this rapidly emerging nation. We are confident that Goa will serve as a great holiday, personal travel and business destination for our passengers."

In addition to Goa, Air Arabia also serves the following Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Nagpur, Thiruvanathapuram and Hyderabad. The Sharjah-based carrier offers the most destinations of any airline in the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa.

Air Arabia offers visitors from Goa to the UAE, a convenient tourist visa service to visit their family and friends.