The Dutch carrier, Transavia, was on Thursday granted traffic rights but the Dutch Civil Aviation Authority to carry passengers between Amsterdam and Sharjah.

The airline began operating through Sharjah airport last month, flying passengers on the Amsterdam - Sharjah - Kathmandu sector. But it only had traffic rights to disembark and embark passengers between Sharjah and Kathmandu.

"So far, Sharjah has been a transit point for tourists traveling from Amsterdam to Kathmandu," said Jamal Akram, director of marketing and research for Sharjah airport.

"Now [with the granting of traffic rights], the airline can disembark Amsterdam passengers in Sharjah and take passengers from Sharjah to Amsterdam."

He said the move could help Transavia consider travel package offers that include Sharjah as a tourism destination for Dutch visitors.

The local sales agent for Transavia is its parent company and Dutch national carrier KLM, which will offer 25-30 "guaranteed seats" on the weekly flight for passengers from Sharjah, according to Karel Bram Stellar, vice president and area manager for KLM.

But he added that seat availability could increase to up to 70, depending on the season.

"With Traffic rights for Transavia on the Amsterdam - Sharjah sector, the KLM group of airlines will now be flying to three different destinations in the UAE, as such our [Dutch] customers benefit from having an additional choice," said Stellar. KLM flies twice daily to Dubai and once a day to Abu Dhabi.

"It will also enhance travel options for our customers in the Northern Emirates. At present, we are putting together a holiday package to Kathmandu from Sharjah for UAE passengers." He added that Transavia would also be able to "actively promote" Sharjah's tourism potential in the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Raghu Menon, Sharjah airport's marketing and research manager, said Transavia's operation, as the only connection between Europe and Nepal via the UAE, was an important step in the airport's efforts to generate more passenger traffic.

"Our aim is to increase passenger through-put, along with cargo traffic. Next year, we plan to add several new passenger services, including a 'meet and assist' scheme and transportation for passengers from neighbouring emirates to the airport," he said.