Air Arabia, a leading low-cost carrier based in Sharjah, UAE, launched its inaugural service to Baku earlier today, marking the airline’s first entry into Azerbaijan, said a report.

An official delegation including Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations of Sharjah, and Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Hamel Al Qubaisi, UAE Ambassador to Azerbaijan as well as Dashgin Shikarov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the UAE, were on board the inaugural flight, said a report in WAM.

The aircraft received a traditional water canon salute upon arrival at Baku International Airport.

The airline will operate four weekly flights from its primary Sharjah International Airport hub. The launch of the new flights follows a joint cooperation between Air Arabia, Azerbajian Airlines and local authorities aimed at promoting the new route connecting Baku and Sharjah.

This move also gives regional travellers another getaway that is a short flight away; and the recent lifting of advance visa requirements is an impetus for GCC citizens to include Baku into their travel list.

"Azerbaijan is a culture-rich country with a fast-emerging appeal for tourism," said Adel Al Ali, group chief executive officer of Air Arabia."We are excited to announce this service, and hope that our passengers enjoy our award-winning offerings. We are confident that this step will establish Baku as a destination of choice for true cultural experiences, and will positively contribute to the rapidly-growing tourism industry in Azerbaijan".

Air Arabia currently operates flights to 124 destinations from five hubs across the Middle East and North Africa.