Air India starts Varanasi-Sharjah flight

National carrier Air India commenced its direct flight service from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Sharjah on Monday.

The carrier's budget arm Air India Express, will depart thrice a week from Varanasi from its 186-seater Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

"The non-stop flight will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, fulfilling a long-standing need of passengers of the areas," the airline said in a statement.

The airline has offered an introductory fare of Rs 8,600 one way for a limited period. With this, Varanasi has become the 12th domestic station of Air India Express, airline chief Rohit Nandan said.

The airline has also introduced a hub and spoke service from Varanasi by connecting the passengers to and from Air India flights in Delhi.