16 March 2014

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier, today announced the launch of regular non-stop services to Shymkent, Kazakhstan. With the addition of Shymkent, Air Arabia became the only operator in the UAE to serve 3 destinations in Kazakhstan. The new twice-weekly service will be Air Arabia’s 91st worldwide destination.

Air Arabia currently serves Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan, in addition to Shymkent starting March 15, 2014. Located in the south of the country, Shymkent is the Kazakhstan’s third most populous city and is known as a centre of culture and industry.

“Kazakhstan is a rapidly emerging economy with a very bright future, and we have accordingly prioritised building our route network in the country,” said Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia. “As two major oil producers, there are obvious links between the UAE and Kazakhstan, and we also see real potential for broader trade and tourism ties, which makes us confident of the success of this new service to Shymkent.”   

Flights will depart Sharjah International Airport on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 22:00, arriving at Shymkent International Airport at 03:30 on the following day. Return flights will depart Shymkent on Thursdays and Sundays at 04:30 arriving in Sharjah at 06:15.