Flydubai launches sixth Saudi flight

Low cost airline flydubai has announced its 41st route, with the launch of new flights to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, commencing July 17.

The carrier, which is targeting a 140 per cent capacity growth in 2011, according CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith, is en route to achieving their targets as it enters Saudi’s Eastern Province, which is a valuable oil producing region.

Ghaith, said in a statement: “…The UAE is now connected to six key cities in the Kingdom. Dubai and Dammam are two cities linked not just by language and culture, but also by growing economic ambitions.

“Our new route will not only provide travellers between cities with a quality and affordable option, but will also foster greater co-operation in the realm of business and trade, reinforcing existing ties.”

Ghaith had told Emirates 24|7 earlier that their flightplan for this year’s expansion included all lucrative routes that had the potential to reach the airline’s target to turnove a profit by 2012.

He said: “Looking at the demand and numbers, the GCC, the sub-continent, Eastern Europe and the Far East routes are all very attractive to us. Expansion into these regions is a natural progression.”

The new flights will operate on a daily basis between Dubai’s Terminal 2 and King Fahd International Airport, Dammam; in Saudi, flydubai also connects to Riyadh, Jeddah, Gassim, Yanbu and Abha.

Being the third largest city in Saudi, and home to the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, the national oil company, and is responsible for almost 75 per cent of the Kingdom’s oil-based economy, flydubai is aiming to tap into the lucrative economic and commercial sector.

A one-way fare to Dammam from Dubai starts at Dh400, inclusive of one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and one small laptop bag or hand bag.

The airline also ventured further into India earlier this month, with the inaugural flight to Hyderabad.

The airline is aiming for further expansion in the coming years with Ghaith saying: “We want to increase to our planned 70 destinations and serve all the lucrative routes in the 4.5-hour flight radius. Other plan is to launch a holidays division. All will happen in time.”

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