Mumbai : Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today that it will become the first UAE airline to operate scheduled flights to the Republic of Kosovo, when it commences a twice weekly service to Prishtina International Airport on November 22nd, 2012.

Operating on Mondays and Thursdays, Air Arabia’s Kosovo service will depart from Sharjah International Airport at 09.00AM and arrive at Prishtina International Airport 12:30PM. Return flights will depart from Kosovo on the same days at 13:30PM and arrive in Sharjah at 21.30PM.

H.E. Dritan Gjonbalaj, Director General, Civil Aviation Authority, Republic of Kosovo, said: “Air Arabia’s inaugural flight to Prishtina marks an important moment in the ever growing ties between the Republic of Kosovo and the United Arab Emirates. As the first UAE carrier to fly to Kosovo, Air Arabia is at the forefront of a significant trend, with the flow of goods, services and people between the two countries only likely to increase in the coming years.”

“Ever since we began operations nine years ago, Air Arabia has prided itself on being an airline of firsts. We are pleased to become the first UAE carrier to offer a scheduled service to Kosovo,” said Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia. “We are confident the launch of our first destination in the Balkan Peninsula will bring great benefits to the economic ties between the UAE and Kosovo and will support Air Arabia’s rapidly expanding network in Eastern Europe.”

The Emirate of Sharjah, 20 minutes away from Dubai, is the UAE’s cultural and educational hub known for its museums, architecture and sunny beaches. Air Arabia facilitates direct bus service between Sharjah International Airport and the Emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In addition, the airline runs a city terminal office in Dubai making it convenient and efficient for customers visiting the UAE.

With an average age of 25, Kosovo has one of the youngest populations in Europe.  Prishtina, the nation’s capital and largest city, is located near to the Shar Mountains and is famed for its cafes, markets and historial landmarks.