Air Arabia Egypt, a leading low-cost carrier in the region, said it has started direct services to the Turkish city of Istanbul from its main hub in Alexandria.The airline’s inaugural flight to Istanbul took off from Burj Al Arab International Airport on Friday.Roundtrip flights will operate twice per week between Alexandria and Istanbul Sabiha International Airport. The flights depart Alexandria on Fridays and Sundays at 5pm and arrive in Istanbul at 7.55pm.

The return flights depart Istanbul at 9.05pm and arrive in Alexandria at 10.05pm.Commenting on the launch, AK Nizar, head of Commercial said, ‘We are delighted to announce the start of our flights to the city of Istanbul. Turkey has become a central destination and we are proud to start our services twice a week from Egypt, offering travellers between the two countries a new option for air travel.We are confident the new services between Alexandria and Istanbul will offer customers great value for money to travel between the two cities as well as encourage mutual growth in travel and tourism,’ he observed.

According to him, Air Arabia Egypt only flies new aircraft of the type Airbus A320. ‘On its entire network, Air Arabia Egypt offers full economy class with an average seat pitch of 32 inches and a free baggage allowance. Food and beverages can be bought during the flight,’ he added.