Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announced on October 8 that it will begin service to the Indian city of Bangalore on October 15. The flights will initially operate four times per week between Bangalore and Air Arabia's hub in Sharjah, and then from October 29, flights will be daily.

Flights to Bangalore will leave Sharjah at 22:50pm local time and arrive in Bangalore at 04:20am local time. Return flights will leave Bangalore at 05:05am local time and arrive in Sharjah at 07:50am local time.

Kyle Haywood, Commercial Director, Air Arabia said: "Our rapidly expanding route destination network between India and the Middle East answers a growing need for passengers traveling between the two economically vibrant regions. We seek to give those who travel between these two regions low-cost fares along with the highest quality of service possible, whether they travel for business, holidays or to see family and friends."

Bangalore is Air Arabia's ninth destination in India, and increases Air Arabia's total destinations to 37, a destination network that stretches from Eastern Europe, through the Middle East and North Africa, to South Asia. Bangalore is India's third most populous city and a major economic hub for the country. With its addition to Air Arabia's 11 other destinations in South Asia, Air Arabia has become one of the leading LCCs serving this growing region.

Bangalore is one of India's most dynamic cities, and has been India's leading centre for information technology, earning the nickname the "Silicon Valley of India." In addition to being at the forefront of India's technology revolution, Bangalore is also considered the "Garden City of India" due to its lush climate, extensive vegetation and many public parks. An ancient city, it was first mentioned in literature in the ninth century as part of the Ganga Kingdom. Then it was called "Bengaval-uru" or the "City of Guards."

Kyle Haywood added: "We are quite pleased to add Bangalore to our low-cost flight network within India. With the large Indian expatriate population living in the Gulf countries, this new flight route represents even more low-cost convenience for those who have family, friends and homes in both these regions."