Sharjah-based Air Arabia will begin operations to Chittagong, Bangladesh, on June 18.

Air Arabia’s direct flights to Chittagong, the second-largest city in Bangladesh, will mark the inauguration of the budget carrier’s service into the country, a company spokesman said.

'Our main focus is to make air travel more convenient through Internet booking and by offering the lowest fares in the market without sacrificing on service or safety standards,' he added.

Air Arabia commercial director Kyle Haywood said the  Chittagong flights will provide a comfortable and competitively priced service for both the expatriate Bangladeshi population in the UAE and the Bangladeshi community seeking to visit the emirate.

With a population of nearly 4 million and as the country’s primary seaport, Chittagong is the commercial and manufacturing capital of Bangladesh.

Nearly all imports and exports flow through the city, as do most investors looking to establish operations in the country.

The flights to Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong will be twice-a week, on Mondays and Fridays.

Air Arabia flights will depart from Sharjah at 7:15 am and arrive in Chittagong at 13:50 pm local time. On the same days, flights will depart from Chittagong at 14:35 pm and arrive in Sharjah at 17:30 pm local time. --TradeArabia News Service