Ukraine gets GCC airlink boost

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Kiev boasts many architectural attractions.

Two airlines are gearing up to introduce direct non-stop services from the UAE to Ukrainian capital Minsk.

Ukraine International Airlines has revealed plans to reintroduce Dubai-Kiev services on October 10, with plans to operate a B737 aircraft on the route, four times weekly and Air Arabia will start flying from Sharjah to Kiev the same month.

“Once October starts, we have a lot of groups from Kiev and most of our flights are full. We have been doing bulk sales to tour operators,” said Ukraine International Airlines sales and station manager in Dubai Wajahat Kazi.

Standard return economy fares will be priced from around AED 1460 ($397) plus taxes and to promote the route, the airline is planning all-inclusive three-night/four-day packages priced from AED 5000 ($1361) per person based on twin share accommodation.

“Kiev has great nightlife so it’s more popular with bachelors than families – having said that, we had a lot of families from Kuwait this year,” explained Kazi.

“There are many people going for medicals because Odessa has good eye treatments.”

He said the best time of year to visit was between March and November, because during the winter, the temperatures plummet into the minuses.

“But for people living in the desert, even winter is an attraction as people can come for a few days to experience the cold,” he added.

With a population approaching three million, Kiev is an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of Eastern Europe.

One of the greenest cities in the region, it boasts a range of natural and architectural attractions.

Kiev itself has recently experienced record economic growth, with a 7.3% increase reported last year alone.

“Ukraine is one of the fastest growing economies in Eastern Europe and there is considerable passenger traffic between the country and the Middle East, particularly for tourism and business,” said Air Arabia head of commercial AK Nizar.

In addition to Kiev, Air Arabia also serves Istanbul, Turkey, and Yerevan, Armenia, in Eastern Europe.

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