Air Arabia first global carrier to touchdown at MRIA; flydubai to fly thrice a week

Tuesday, 19 March 2013 01:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Air Arabia yesterday became the first international carrier to operate a scheduled flight to the world’s latest airport, the MRIA in Hambantota District.

The inaugural flight manned by Sri Lankan born Captain Narada Ranasinghe landed at 11:50 and was marked by an official Air Arabia delegation and was welcomed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Air Arabia also celebrated the occasion of first international arrival in Mattala, after the new Rajapaksa International Airport was inaugurated this morning.

“Since its inception about a decade ago, Air Arabia has prided itself on being an airline of firsts. Today, we are extremely delighted to become the first international carrier to arrive in Mattala, further reinforcing our commitment to expand our presence in Sri Lanka,” said Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia.

“We target through our new regular service to develop the tourism traffic between Mattala, the UAE and the wider region. We are confident that the launch of Mattala will bring great benefits to the tourism ties between the UAE and Sri Lanka, and will support Air Arabia’s rapidly expanding network in the Indian Subcontinent.”

The low-cost pioneer currently operates two weekly services between Sharjah and Mattala, to be increased to four times weekly starting 19 May 2013. On Thursdays and Sundays, flights depart from Sharjah International Airport at 21:30 and arrive at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport at 03:50. Return flights will depart the next day from Mattala at 04:30 and arrive in Sharjah at 07:40 (local time).

Aimed at meeting the increasing travel demands between the two countries, the launch of Mattala marks Air Arabia’s second route in Sri Lanka after Colombo, which is currently being operated seven times a week.

Dubai’s budget carrier flydubai became the second international carrier to touch down at MRIA as part of its thrice a week scheduled flights starting from 21 May.

Both Air Arabia and flydubai also call at the Bandaranaike International Airport.