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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.
