Just two weeks after launching GCC routes Muscat and Kuwait City, flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, has announced further two routes – Assiut in Egypt and Istanbul, Turkey – to bring the airline’s network to 15 destinations.
Priced from just AED350, flights to Assiut, the largest town in Upper Egypt, are three times per week and start on Monday, May 24.
Travellers will be able to visit Istanbul, European Capital of Culture 2010, with flydubai’s uncomplicated, low fare service for as little as AED450 from Thursday, June 17. Flights to Istanbul will be five times per week.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai said: “The addition of these new routes is in line with our commitment to make travel to key destinations in this region more accessible and more affordable.
“These two routes are excellent examples of the type of destinations flydubai is committed to serving. Assiut currently has very few direct links to the UAE, so by offering this destination we are fulfilling our promise to make travel a little less complex, a little less stressful and a little less expensive.
“Although Istanbul is well known to many there is such a demand for short breaks to the city and to the country in general that we anticipate strong demand for our quality, low cost service.” The largest town in southern Egypt, Assiut is known for its agriculture, especially grain and cotton. It is also home to one of the country’s largest universities and has much to offer tourists. Steeped in heritage, Assiut was founded in the Pharaonic era and is located 400km south of Cairo.
flydubai’s new service to Istanbul will allow even more travellers from the Gulf to enjoy the stimulating diversity of Turkey’s most famous city, and it will contribute to the growing trade relationship between Turkey and the UAE, valued at around US$9 billion.
The flydubai model is simple, with customers paying only for the services they want to receive. The ticket price includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage, weighing up to 10kg, per passenger.
Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at just AED60 for the first piece and AED150 for the second, weighing up to 32kgs, subject to availability. Checked baggage at the airport is also strictly subject to availability and passengers are advised to book online early to secure the space, as only pre-purchased baggage can be guaranteed.
