Air Arabia set to launch flights to Basra

Low-cost carrier Air Arabia said on Monday it will launch flights to Basra, its third destination in Iraq.

Flights to the Iraqi city will start on November 4, making it Air Arabia's 79th destination worldwide.

The airline said in a statement that it will offer three weekly services between Sharjah and Basra.

"We are pleased to announce the launch of our services to Basra, our third destination in Iraq after Najaf and Erbil. This step reflects the commitment we place on serving the Iraqi market," said Adel Ali, Group CEO, Air Arabia.

"This new service will further strengthen our current flights to Iraq and offer customers wider choice of affordable air travel; and at the same contribute to the trade and tourism ties between the UAE and Iraq," he added.

The new service to Basra will increase the number of flights Air Arabia operates to Iraq to 18 weekly flights.

Located in the Southern Iraq, Basra is the second largest city in Iraq after the Capital Baghdad. The city is known for its large petroleum resources and fertile agriculture region.

Earlier this month, Air Arabia said it will launch flights to Erbil, with services to the Iraqi city starting on October 14.

The carrier will offer four weekly services between Sharjah and Erbil, the airline said in a statement.