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

The inaugural flight marks the Rossiya Airlines' launch of a twice-weekly service between Russia and UAE.

The route will be served by a Boeing 737-800, which will touch down every Sunday and Thursday at Sharjah International Airport.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “This flight connection reflects Sharjah Airport’s strategically important location. Sharjah has witnessed an increased in demand by tourists from Russia, as they are 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, director of Sharjah Airport Authority, 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.” - TradeArabia News Service