Sharjah International Airport has received maiden flight of Rossiya Airlines from Saint Petersburg and Ekaterinburg in Russia.

The Boeing 737-800 aircrafts will touch down every Sunday and Thursday at the airport.

A reception was held for the aircraft crew and airline officials, hosted by Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, and Sheikh Faisal bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of Sharjah Airport Authority, with managers and officials from both organisations.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, said, "This flight connection reflects Sharjah Airport’s strategically important location. Sharjah has increased demand by tourists from Russia, especially since they have been granted UAE Entry Visas at all ports. Such flights contribute to establishing Sharjah as a center for tourism, culture and business and to attracting more visitors, both holiday makers and business people, from Russia to Sharjah."

Sheikh Faisal bin Saoud Al Qassimi, said, "We welcome the first flight of Rossiya Airlines. There is no doubt that such flights will increase various options and destinations of travel through Sharjah International Airport and will provide tourists from Russia with the opportunity to discover the historic and cultural sights of Sharjah and to benefit from the great level of hospitality and entertainment on offer here."