Malaysian-based budget carrier AirAsia X is to start a five-times weekly Kuala Lumpur-Abu Dhabi route from November 23.
The low-cost airline is the long-haul arm of AirAsia and this will be its first entry into the Middle East market. It currently flies to seven other destinations, including London and Australia.
An Airbus A340-300 configured with 256 seats in economy and 30 premium seats will operate the routes on Mondays, Tuesday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Azran Osman Rani, CEO of AirAsia X, said: "This is part of our overall strategy in expanding into the Middle East. We see an untapped market which has strong economic potential for the route."
Kenny Coyle