Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, a new LCC of the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, has been awarded its Air Operating Certificate (AOC) to begin commercial operations.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is a joint venture established by Etihad Airways and Air Arabia as a new independent airline that will operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

“Air Arabia will continue to work closely with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to finalise the launch date as market conditions improve and the skies are open again,” said Air Arabia in a statement.

The airline’s positive attitude demonstrates the importance of commercial aviation within the UAE and the industries that support it in the nation.

The rise in low-cost carriers in the region will also see Wizz Air Abu Dhabi take to the air, despite the global halt in air operations. Wizz Air is still planning to launch operations in the region shortly after the control measures are lifted.