"The main load we carry are from the labour or low-income group. After having accessed the travel needs of the expatriates in the UAE, we have decided to introduce another frequency, which is most likely to be operational by September this year. Eventually, we are hoping to operate three frequencies per week," Manish Synghai, Managing Director of Albatross Enterprises Pvt. Ltd, and General Sales Agent (GSA) of Tajikistan Airlines, told Khaleej Times.

The inaugural Delhi-Sharjah-Delhi flight by Tajikistan Airlines took off on July 15, and since then, the passsenger load factor significantly increased on June 22 and 29, with a total of 50 and 94 passengers, respectively. Meanwhile, yesterday's flight operated at full capacity.

The flight, which operates every Thursday, departs Sharjah at 8.30pm and arrives at 1am in Delhi. Tajikistan Airlines is currently operating a TU 154 Russian aircraft, but is planning to operate a larger aircraft. The current capacity of its aircraft is 164 seats.

"We have been given rights to operate 480 seats per week from New Delhi by the Indian government. We are now in talks to operate another flight by next month," he disclosed.

The airline is currently sourcing either a Boeing 757 or Boeing 767 to meet the increasing demand of travellers to Delhi.

"It is quite difficult to provide low fares given the increase in fuel costs. However, we try to maintain one of the lowest rates in the market," Mr Synghai said. A one-way ticket costs Dh450 (all-inclusive), while a return ticket for the Sharjah-Delhi-Sharjah sector is Dh960. Passengers are given a maximum baggage allowance of 50kg, while hand luggage is permissible up to 10kg. A free bus service is provided to passengers coming from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai.

"Tajikistan Airlines expects to operate three flight frequencies with the current aircraft. However, with a bigger aircraft, it plans to operate two flights weekly. The airline also have plans to expand to other destinations in India which we will reveal in the near future," Mr Synghai said.