Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, today announced the expansion of services to Kazakhstan with the launch of twice weekly flights to Astana, the country’s capital city. With the launch of the service, Air Arabia now flies to 80 destinations worldwide.

Air Arabia currently flies six times per week to Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. The new service to the Capital Astana will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with flights departing Sharjah International Airport at 07.00 and arriving at Astana International Airport at 13.35. Return flights will depart Astana at 14.45 on the same days and arrive in Sharjah at 17.15.

“Kazakstan’s emerging economy has seen a lot of positive developments over the past years and we are delighted to complement our existing flight to Almaty by starting new service to the Capital Astana” said Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia. “The economic links between Kazakhstan and the Middle East are strong and we are confident with this new launch, will enable more people to fly efficiently and affordably between the UAE and Kazakhstan.”

As the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana is both a business and entertainment hub. The city is noted for its modern buildings, many of which have been designed by internationally renowned architects.

Air Arabia’s twice weekly services to Astana commence on October 31, 2012.