Kolkata, Feb 15 (IANS): Etihad Airways Sunday launched daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata - the airline's 11th destination in India on its own, and its 15th destination in combination with network partner Jet Airways.

Flight EY256 departed Etihad Airways' hub at 11.10 a.m. and landed at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport here 5.20 p.m.

Upon arrival in Kolkata,passengers, were welcomed with a garland of flowers. There was also a cake cutting ceremony at the arrival gate.

Neerja Bhatia, Etihad Airways' general manager - India, Craig Thomas, regional general manager, Asia Pacific North and Indian Subcontinent (ISC) and B P Sharma, airport director of Airports Authority of India, cut a ribbon at the gate, to signal the launch.

The return flight EY255 will departed Kolkata 6.20 p.m. Sunday and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 10.30 p.m..

Peter Baumgartner, the travel carrier's chief commercial officer, said Kolkata is the airways' first destination in eastern India.

Sharma said that the new service will boost the aviation sector and strengthen Kolkata's cultural and business connections.

"The service will help to connect passengers from Kolkata to destinations across the Middle East and the rest of the world," he said.

Etihad Airways' lead-in fares for a return flight from Abu Dhabi to Kolkata (including all taxes and surcharges) start from Rs.31,600 for Economy Class and Rs.105,000 for Business Class.

Etihad Airways is operating a two cabin A320 aircraft between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata, configured to carry 136 passengers - 16 in business class and 120 in economy class.