On Tuesday, Malaysia's long-haul, low-cost airline AirAsia was more than happy as its first flight landed in Abu Dhabi, thus marking the commencement of commercial flights on the Kuala Lumpur-Abu Dhabi route.

As per the reports, Air Asia is mulling to use Abu Dhabi as a gateway to the Middle East and will fly the route five times a week.

AirAsia's Chief Executive Azran Osman-Rani explained that a very important role will be played by Abu Dhabi in serving as a hub for AirAsia in connecting Asia with Europe.

Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia has decided to introduce flights to Abu Dhabi in November, marking its foray into the Middle East region.

According to carrier, the new Kuala Lumpur-Abu Dhabi route, to be functioned by the its long-haul affiliate AirAsia X, will commence on 23 November with five weekly flights in time for the peak travel season for Muslims.

AirAsia X Chief Executive Azran Osman-Rani said it indicated the group's expansion plans were on track despite the worldwide economic downturn.