Sharjah, UAE, September 23, 2008: Sharjah-based budget carrier Air Arabia said it will start flying to the Ukrainian capital Kiev from October 15.

The airline said the launch of the new destination reflects its growing expansion into another region in Eastern Europe.

The carrier will fly to Kiev three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between October 15 and October 25.

Flights will depart Sharjah at 12.25pm, arriving in Kiev at 4.25pm. Return flights will depart Kiev at 5.10pm and arrive in Sharjah at 11pm.

Between October 26 and March 28, the carrier will fly to Kiev three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights will depart Sharjah at 1pm, arriving in Kiev at 4pm. On the same days, return flights will depart Kiev at 4:45pm and arrive in Sharjah at 11:25pm.

"Ukraine is one of the fastest growing economies in Eastern Europe, and there is considerable passenger traffic between the country and the Middle East, particularly for tourism and business. We look forward to introducing non-stop service between Kiev and Sharjah next month, and to offering our value-for-money service to everyone seeking friendly and efficient travel between these two dynamic regions," said A.K. Nizar, head of commercial department at Air Arabia.

In addition to Kiev, Air Arabia also serves Istanbul and Yerevan in the European region.