Mubasher: Air Arabia and Saudia have expanded their operations in Russia to enhance global connectivity, according to press releases.

The Emirati low-cost airline inaugurated its new route to Sochi with a frequency six weekly flights, marking the sixth Russian city to be served directly from Sharjah, alongside Moscow, Kazan, Samara, Ufa, and Yekaterinburg.

Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, commented: "Sochi complements our growing network in the country and reflects our ongoing commitment to offering more travel opportunities to our customers."

Alexey Starostin, CEO of Aerod, managing company of Sochi airport, highlighted that Sharjah will become the third city in the UAE connected to Sochi Airport’s route network.

"Travelers will benefit from convenient connections to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, significantly expanding their international travel options," Starostin added.

Air Arabia currently serves Russia from three airports in the UAE, including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. It launched its first direct flight between Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Moscow Domodedovo International Airport in December 2024.

Meanwhile, the Saudi carrier added Moscow, the capital of the Russian Federation, to its growing network of scheduled destinations starting from next October.

In partnership with the Air Connectivity Program (ACP), the airline will operate three weekly flights departing from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

The new route backs Saudia’s strategy to expand its European network and strengthen its presence in key global markets.

Saudia’s fleet is expected to surpass 147 aircraft, boosting the airline’s operational capacity, which aligns with the group’s strategic plans aiming at achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision.

The Saudi airline recently launched flights from Jeddah to El-Alamein in Egypt and Salalah in Oman.