flydubai and SriLankan Airlines announce new interline agreement

The new agreement will provide passengers with more convenient options for travel between the UAE, Sri Lanka and beyond

flydubai, the Dubai-based budget carrier and SriLankan Airlines confirmed the start of their new interline agreement which will offer more travel opportunities between the UAE, Sri Lanka and beyond. 

This interline agreement will offer flydubai passengers access to 16 destinations on SriLankan’s robust network spanning Southern and East Asia, the Middle East and Australia – including Melbourne, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo.

In addition, the interline will enable passengers travelling with SriLankan Airlines to seamlessly connect via Dubai’s aviation hub to more than 30 destinations that flydubai operates to in Africa, Central Asia, Central and Southeast Europe as well as the Middle East. This includes unique holiday destinations such as Bucharest, Krakow, Mombasa, Naples, Tashkent and Zanzibar.

Commenting on the interline agreement, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we’re excited about our new interline agreement with SriLankan Airlines that will further strengthen trade and tourism relations between the UAE and Sri Lanka. Since the start of operations to Sri Lanka in 2010, we have seen consistent demand for travel between our two countries over the years. Dubai remains an important thriving aviation hub and through these interline agreements, this will open up new horizons for our passengers, giving them more options to explore the world with ease.”

SriLankan Airlines and flydubai are committed to delivering convenient and reliable travel options for their valued customers. Passengers can expect the signature hospitality and onboard services that both airlines are renowned for when travelling with SriLankan and flydubai.

flydubai starts flights to Basel despite Boeing delays

The Dubai-based budget carrier flydubai has become the first national carrier from the UAE to operate direct flights from Dubai to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL). The carrier now links the two airports with a four times a week, with services on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The inaugural flight touched down at Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg and was met with a traditional water cannon salute, last Wednesday, 7th August.  The budget airline has rapidly grown its network in Europe to 29 destinations including Budapest, Catania, Krakow, Milan-Bergamo, Prague, Salzburg and Zagreb.

Flights between Dubai and Basel will be operated a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Passengers travelling in Business Class can look forward to comfortable seats and internationally-inspired menus while Economy Class passengers can enjoy seats designed to optimise space and comfort.

flydubai also features exceptional inflight entertainment with a full HD, 11.6-inch screen with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music and games. Passengers can enjoy complimentary seatback inflight entertainment in Business Class or purchase affordable inflight entertainment packages when travelling in Economy Class.

Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President of commercial operations and e-commerce at flydubai, said: “at flydubai, we are committed to opening up underserved destinations and creating free flows of trade and tourism and we are pleased to add Basel to our network in Europe. EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg serves Switzerland, France and Germany, making it an important hub for travel, trade and tourism in the tri-border region that will benefit our customers from the UAE and beyond.”

“We also look forward to welcoming more travellers from Europe to Dubai and beyond on the flydubai network. Through Dubai’s aviation hub, passengers travelling from Basel can enjoy convenient connections to holiday destinations including Kenya, the Maldives, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand,” added Efendi.

flydubai puts in order for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners,

The Dubai-based carrier to add 787-9s to its all 737 fleet to open new routes and serve more destinations

UAE budget airline flydubai has put in an agreement to buy 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as the carrier wants to diversify its short and medium-haul 737 fleet with the introduction of widebody long-haul aircraft.  The agreement was during the Dubai Air Show.

"In 2008 when we placed our first-ever order for 50 Boeing 737 aircraft, we were confident of the vital role flydubai would play in supporting Dubai's aviation hub," said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai. "I am proud today to see flydubai evolve further, surpassing labels and challenging the traditional conventions around travel. Today's order reaffirms flydubai's commitment to enabling more people to travel across its expanding network. The highly fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner will allow flydubai to expand its horizon and cater to the growing demand on existing routes."

"Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at flydubai. We are committed to offering the right product at the right time to cater to the changing market and customer needs," said Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai. "The Boeing 787 Dreamliner offers a perfect combination of operational excellence, fuel efficiency as well as passenger appeal."

The 787-9 can fly 296 passengers 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles) in addition to more cargo. Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 380 new nonstop routes around the world. Half of all 787 Dreamliner flights are operated in short- and medium-haul markets below 5,000 km (2,700 nautical miles), demonstrating its versatility and efficiency across all network segments.

"The 787-9 is perfectly suited for the needs of flydubai as it looks to open up longer-range routes and add capacity across its network," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "flydubai passengers will enjoy the Dreamliner effect, an experience like no other in the air, flying with more comfort and arriving at their destinations feeling more refreshed."

Air Canada and flydubai unveil new partnership

The largest Canadian airline, Air Canada has released details of its new partnership with flydubai which will help open up the Middle East, East Africa, Indian Subcontinent and Southern Asia for Canadian travellers.   

The codeshare deal will see Air Canada's code being placed on nine routes operated from Dubai by flydubai. The routes include the Middle Eastern cities of Medina, Dammam, Bahrain, Jeddah, and Muscat, as well as flights to Colombo, and Karachi on the Indian Subcontinent.

Additionally, through an interline arrangement, customers will be able to seamlessly connect in Dubai to more than 60 destinations that flydubai flies to in the Middle East, East Africa and Southern Asia – including Kathmandu, Djibouti and the Maldives. Of these destinations, more than 30 are unique to flydubai and not flown by other partners of Air Canada.

"Air Canada is very pleased to partner with flydubai, further expanding our connectivity to the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, a growing source of immigration and travel to Canada. This new partnership is a perfect complement to Air Canada's non-stop service to Dubai from Toronto and Vancouver, and growing our relationship with Emirates, flydubai's codeshare partner. Together we look forward to bringing together our networks and building a better experience for our customers," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada.

Commenting on the codeshare announcement, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said: "We are very pleased to be adding Air Canada to our list of partners and to offer their passengers a seamless travel experience on the flydubai network. We look forward to growing this partnership that offers passengers the benefits and the convenience of connecting via the Dubai aviation hub and we look forward to welcoming them on board soon."

The airlines also plan on further improving the connection process in Dubai, and are working toward introducing expanded features and benefits for one another's loyalty programme members to be announced later this year. The deal is subject to approval from the authorities.

flydubai's new “Business Suite”......

flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has unveiled its latest premium business class seat, offering passengers added comfort, privacy and an exceptional onboard experience.

The Business Suite, designed exclusively for single-aisle aircraft, is the latest evolution in flydubai’s Business Class offering which will see 10 suites introduced to a number of the carrier’s newest 737 aircraft before the end of 2023. The new seat will offer all passengers in Business Class direct aisle access, which rivals the Business Class experience onboard many wide-body aircraft.

flydubai is the launch customer for this brand-new seat. Close collaboration with Safran Seats, one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, and JPA Design, a multinational design company operating in the transportation, interiors, and product design arenas, has resulted in a uniquely flydubai and best-in-class Business Class seating product.

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The Business Suite: the first aircraft featuring the new Business Suite is expected to join the flydubai fleet in November. The new premium Business Class experience will be available on up to six aircraft by the first quarter of 2024 and will be scheduled on select longer flights around the flydubai network. The Business Suite features:

Privacy and added comfort: from a fully-closed suite experience to a more traditional open-plan seat for greater social interaction, passengers will be able to choose their own level of privacy based on their mood.

Discreet and thoughtful stowage solutions: will keep a passenger’s personal items readily accessible while maintaining a clutter-free living space.

Ambient lighting: has been set into the shell of the seat. It’s also been incorporated under the ottoman and inside personal stowage areas, so the entire suite has a relaxing ambience.

Entertainment: Bluetooth allows the use of personal headphones with a 17-inch 4K built-in touchscreen for an immersive viewing experience, with hours of blockbuster movies and popular TV shows to enjoy.

Dining: a selection of delicious meals, snacks and complimentary hot and cold beverages are available to passengers in Business Class. Hot meals from an internationally inspired menu are offered on flights over 90 minutes and lighter cold meals on shorter flights.

flydubai wins Best Low-Cost Airline serving the Middle East for the ninth time at the 2023 Business Traveller Middle East Awards.

flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier has won an award for the Best Low-Cost Airline serving the Middle East for the ninth time at the 2023 Business Traveller Middle East Awards.

The award recognises flydubai’s strong business model and dedication to creating free flows of trade and tourism which have allowed its continued growth and ongoing network expansion. It is also in recognition of flydubai's business model which offers passengers the opportunity to choose how they would like to travel by selecting a fare type that suits them in Economy Class or a more comfortable and personal travel experience in Business Class.

The carrier took to the Arabian Travel Market to launch “The Business Suite”. This is the latest premium Business Class offering from flydubai and will be introduced on a number of the carrier’s newest aircraft in the last quarter of 2023 and will be deployed on select flights around the carrier’s growing network. The carrier has long moved away from its initial business model since the introduction of Business Class in 2013.

flydubai operates flights to 120 destinations, 75 of which were underserved markets that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai. The Dubai-based carrier’s growing network is served by a fleet of 76 Boeing 737 aircraft.

flydubai launches flights to Milan-Bergamo and Cagliari

flydubai grows its network in Italy to four points with the launch of its five-times a week to Milan Bergamo Airport before going daily in April.

Direct flights to Cagliari to start 22 June 2023.

flydubai has launched a service to Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) from its home base of Dubai marking a rapid increase in services to Italy. 

Flights to Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) started on 10 March with a five-times weekly service. The carrier will increase the frequency to a daily service from 18 April 2023. Emirates will codeshare on these routes and the flights will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB), offering travellers more seamless connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to see our network in Italy grow to four points since our first entry to the market in 2018 with the start of flights to Catania. There is a large demand for travel from Dubai and the region and our flights to Milan-Bergamo, as well as the other points in Italy, will give passengers the opportunity to enjoy convenient direct operations to some of Italy’s most attractive regions. We look forward to welcoming passengers from Italy onboard to Dubai and beyond onto the growing flydubai network.”

Emilio Bellingardi, Managing Director of SACBO, said: “the start of flydubai's operations is of great importance as it further expands Milan Bergamo Airport’s network and offers direct access to Dubai International Airport. Passengers can not only access the heart of one of the most popular and attractive tourist destinations in the world, they can also benefit from a large network of connections. We hope flydubai passengers enjoy the services our airport has to offer that have made Milan Bergamo Airport the “Best European Airport” in the five to 15 million passenger category in 2022.”

flydubai adds four destinations in Saudi Arabia

The Dubai-based carrier adds two new destinations to its network with the launch of flights to Al Qaisumah and Neom and resumes flights to Jizan and Najran

flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, has announced the launch of four destinations in Saudi Arabia. This includes the start of flights to Neom from 16 March, Najran from 18 March, Al Qaisumah from 21 March and Jizan from 26 April.

Earlier this year, the airline also resumed its operations to AlUla with a twice-weekly service from 12 January.

Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said: “flydubai remains committed to opening up underserved markets and so we are pleased to offer our customers more options for travel with the launch of these four destinations. As Saudi Arabia continues on its path of economic growth and investment in developing its tourism sector, we look forward to offering passengers from the UAE and around our network the opportunity to explore more of the country.”

flydubai operates flights to more than 114 destinations, 75 of which were underserved markets that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai. The growing network is served by a fleet of 76 Boeing 737 aircraft.

Flight details for the four destinations

Flights will operate from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB).

Start Date	Flight Number	Departure Airport	Arrival Airport	Frequency
16 March	FZ 851/852	Terminal 2, DXB	Neom Airport (NUM)	02 weekly flights
18 March	FZ 803/804	Terminal 2, DXB	Najran Airport (EAM)	03 weekly flights
21 March	FZ 837/838	Terminal 2, DXB	Al Qaisumah Hafar Al Batin Airport (AQI)	02 weekly flights
26 April	FZ 801/802	Terminal 2, DXB	Jizan Airport (GIZ)	04 weekly flights

Flights are available to book on flydubai.com

From its home in Dubai, flydubai has created a network of 114 destinations served by a fleet of 76 aircraft. Since commencing operations in June 2009, flydubai has been committed to removing barriers to travel, creating free flows of trade and tourism and enhancing connectivity between different cultures across its ever-expanding network.

Own your very own flydubai Boeing 737 MAX jet in this super model. 

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flydubai expands its network in Kazakhstan with new flights to Shymkent from 28 February

flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, announced the resumption of flights to Shymkent International Airport (CIT) from 28 February with a twice-weekly service. With the start of flights to Shymkent, flydubai grows its network in Kazakhstan to three destinations including Almaty and the capital, Astana.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “Kazakhstan has long been an important market since we first launched operations to Almaty in 2014. In 2022 we carried almost 300,000 passengers between the UAE and Kazakhstan, an increased figure of 145% compared to 2019, and we look forward to strengthening trade and cultural relations with the start of flights to Shymkent.”

The UAE and Kazakhstan have a long history of trade relations in which they cooperate together in several economic sectors including mining, agriculture, oil and gas, and construction.

Commenting on the start of flights, Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said: “we are excited to see our network grow in Kazakhstan with Shymkent as our third destination which will serve a total frequency of 22 weekly flights. This frequency will increase to 26 weekly flights from February and will offer our customers in Kazakhstan more convenient and reliable options to explore the UAE and beyond.”

After Almaty and Astana, Shymkent is the third largest city in Kazakhstan and is a major cultural centre that features bustling bazaars, ancient architecture and natural scenery.

flydubai expands its network in the Central Asian region to ten points, providing passengers from the UAE and the region with more options for travel. This includes Almaty, Ashgabat, Astana, Bishkek, Dushanbe, Namangan, Osh, Samarkand, Shymkent and Tashkent.

Air Marakanda to launch direct flights between Samarkand and Dubai

 Air Marakanda, the operator of Samarkand Airport, announces the launch of a new route from Samarkand – with flydubai, the Emirati government owned low-cost airline.

The twice-weekly service will connect the historic Silk Road city of Samarkand, and the UAE’s largest city, Dubai. The service will launch on September 20.

The service is the 12th and latest route to be announced from the newly expanded and redesigned Samarkand International Airport, with further, new route announcements scheduled for the following weeks and months.

Gairat Nematov, CEO of Air Marakanda, said:   “We are delighted to welcome flydubai to Samarkand, and connect the UAE to the history and heritage of our Silk Road city and region. The UAE is an important trade and cultural link for Uzbekistan, and we are proud to play our part in cementing and extending these links.

Today’s announcement is just the latest in Samarkand Airport’s expansion and redevelopment. We expect to announce many more routes very soon, regionally and internationally - to match the demand we are witnessing to visit Uzbekistan’s leading tourist area.”

flydubai expecting a busy summer as it restarts flights to Batumi, Bodrum, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Tivat and Trabzon

flydubai expects three million passengers to travel across its network this summer

flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, is preparing for a record-breaking summer, building on the momentum from the tremendous performance in the first quarter of 2022 and the surge in demand for travel. The carrier is gearing up to welcome three million passengers over the busiest summer in the airline’s history. Over the summer period, an average of 8,500 departures per month are scheduled across flydubai’s network of 102 destinations, which exceeds pre-pandemic levels.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “while the global aviation sector has been slowly recovering from the repercussions of the pandemic, we have seen Dubai steadfast in its approach to enable the return to free flows of trade and tourism. The decisions made early on in the pandemic have enabled us to ramp up our operations to cater to the pent-up demand in record time. This would not have been possible without the hard work of our people, the collaborative approach taken by the key stakeholders in the UAE and the confidence our passengers have in our operations.”

The carrier has resumed seasonal summer routes to Batumi, Bodrum, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Tivat and Trabzon. Plus flydubai’s flights to more than 30 destinations, which were temporarily operating out of Dubai World Central (DWC), return to operate from Dubai International (DXB) from 23 June. This follows the successful completion of the 45-day period Northern Runway Rehabilitation programme at DXB. Between 09 May and 22 June, the carrier has minimised disruption to its passengers by operating out of both airports.

flydubai will take delivery of four new aircraft by August 2022, growing its fleet of Boeing 737s to 68 aircraft, an increase of 73% compared to the number of aircraft the carrier operated in the same period in 2019. ​ To support this growth trajectory, flydubai has grown its workforce over the past 12 months by 20% which includes pilots, cabin crew and talented professionals from 135 different nationalities. 

Tivat, Montenegro

Located in southwest Montenegro, this charming coastal town is one of the sunniest places in the Balkan region. Tivat has become renowned for several of its popular natural sights, including the magnificent sandy beach at Plavi Horizonti and the Sveti Marko island. The city is connected to the sea through the natural port of Kalimanj. Beyond the beaches, ample cultural events also keep the city lively during the summer such as the “Bocce Olympiad” and “Summer Fest”.

flydubai operates two weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB) to Tivat Airport (TIV) from 24 June to 16 September.

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Dubrovnik, Croatia

A city that requires little introduction, thanks to the international fame it gained as a backdrop for popular Hollywood productions. Dubrovnik is well known for its ancient architecture and glistening limestone streets – a true slice of Croatian history. Beyond its cultural heritage, it’s also an ideal location to spend time swimming in the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik’s Banje Beach is the go-to beach for many due to its central location. For those wanting more tranquillity, the Elaphite archipelago is a quick ferry ride away, well known for its natural beauty and pebble beaches.

flydubai operates flights on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB) to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) from 23 June to 02 October.

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Mykonos and Santorini, Greece

Mykonos is popularly known for its summer parties and nightlife. The island is an idyllic paradise for swimming, sunbathing, beach resorts or water sports. Those seeking a bit more relaxation can find solace at Ornos and Platis Gialos which are more suitable for families and couples.

Since Santorini is a volcanic island, its red and black pebbled shores have drawn many in. Some say that this was the original home of the lost city of Atlantis, which long ago disappeared into the ocean’s depths. Whatever remains of this mythological metropolis is now guarded by iconic whitewashed houses and Santorini’s most famous beaches including Perissa, Kamari and Perivolos.

flydubai operates four weekly flights from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB) to Mykonos International Airport (JMK) and Santorini International Airport (JTR) from 24 June to 18 September. Flights to Mykonos operate on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and flights to Santorini operate from Thursdays to Sundays.

 

Maldives

The Maldives boasts more than a thousand islands known for their clear emerald waters and luxurious overwater bungalows. Only a sixth of its islands are inhabited, so guests will have no problem finding one that can be their own private beach. However one of the favourites includes Mudhdhoo Beach which is best for seeing the illuminated sea at night.

flydubai operates daily flights from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB) to Velana International Airport (MLE) throughout the entire summer.

 

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Nungwi Beach, on Zanzibar's northwest coast, is one of the island’s most breathtaking and regularly visited beaches, but there are many others which are popular with locals and tourists alike, including Michamvi Beach and Kendwa Beach. Travellers who prefer to relax on the beach and enjoy nature can bask in the sun and try out the many snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, which provide incredible sights of coral reefs and thousands of marine species.

flydubai operates daily flights from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB) to Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ).

Dubai - Tel Aviv service coming on 26th November for Flydubai

The United Arab Emirates budget airline Flydubai will start direct flights between its home base of Dubai and Tel Aviv on Israel on 26th November, the airline confirmed on Wednesday.

This new service is only possible to a thaw in the frosty relations between the two nations achieved in recent weeks. "The start of scheduled flights will contribute to economic development and create further opportunities for investment," flydubai CEO Ghaith al-Ghaith said, confirming  "The carrier will operate 14 flights a week, offering a double daily service between Dubai International Airport and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport,".

Rather surprisingly, the normalization of relations between UAE and Israel has already seen the governments agree on treaties on direct scheduled and charter flights, visa-free travel, investment protection, science and technology. 

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Chase Card Services, a division of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Emirates are bringing international destinations closer for cardmembers with the addition of Emirates Skywards as the newest Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer partner. Eligible Chase credit cardmembers can transfer Ultimate Rewards points at 1 to 1 value to Emirates Skywards, the loyalty program of Emirates and flydubai. Chase cardmembers now have the opportunity to transfer points to a total of 13 leading airline and hotel loyalty programs through Ultimate Rewards, reaching thousands of destinations worldwide.

Ethiopian Airlines crashed 737 Max 8 cockpit voice and data recorders found

The Ethiopian State media has confirmed they have retrieved the ‘black boxes’ cockpit voice and flight data recorders from the crashed Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft.  Local reports confirmed the devices had been retrieved on Monday morning and will be sent for analysis. However, an airline official has stated that one of the recorders has suffered serious damage in the crash and at present, it is unknown how much data can be retrieved from it. 

The Boeing 737 Max 8 was just four months old when it crashed on Sunday morning claiming the lives of all 157 people on board. The manufacturer Boeing has already said, before any causes of the crash are known, that it will not be issuing any further safety advisories. It has sent a technical team to the crash site to provide technical assistance under the direction of the Ethiopia Accident Investigation Bureau and U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.

Photo Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines has halted all further flights on 737 Max 8 aircraft as a precaution, the Chinese authorities have also ordered all 737 Max 8 in the country be grounded will investigations are ongoing.  

Cayman Airlines has two 737 Max aircraft and has grounded them as a precaution in the wake of the latest disaster to befall the type.