flydubai begins operations to third Indian city

flydubai, Dubai's pioneering low-cost airline, inaugurated its third major Indian route on Saturday, with the start of operations to the world's third fastest growing city - Ahmedabad.

Flight FZ437 landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, expanding flydubai's network to 39 operational destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the fringes of Europe.

The new route also marks the airline's entry into Gujarat, one of India's most prosperous states with a per-capita GDP significantly above the country's average at $59billion.

flydubai CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to the Indian authorities. Thanks to their strong support, the UAE is now connected to a city that is witnessing incredible infrastructure growth which in turn has led to a population increase. As a rising centre of education, information technology and scientific industries, Ahmedabad remains the cultural and commercial heart of Gujarat and much of western India and as a result we expect this route to prove very popular."

By increasing the number of flights between Dubai and India, flydubai is supporting the growth of trade and tourism, while also providing convenient and affordable travel options for the considerable Indian expat community in the UAE and their families at home.

With a city population of approximately four million, Ahmedabad is the seventh largest city in India and the cultural and commercial heart of Gujarat. As the home of Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram and the former capital of Gujarat, it continues to attract interest from both local and international travellers. Ahmedabad is also a thriving centre for industry; the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors are particularly buoyant, with two of the biggest Indian pharmaceutical companies - Zydus Cadila and Torrent Pharmaceuticals - based in the city. The area also serves as the corporate headquarters of the Adani Group, a leading multinational trading and infrastructure development company.

FZ437 departs Dubai Terminal 2 on Saturdays at 2210hrs, landing in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 0250hrs local time on Sundays.

Meanwhile, the return flight FZ438 leaves Ahmedabad at 0335hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0505hrs.

A one-way fare to Ahmedabad from Dubai starts at Dh550, and includes all taxes, one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and one small handbag or laptop bag. Fares from Ahmedabad to Dubai are priced from Dh620.

Checked baggage starts at Dh50 for 20kgs. A seat with extra legroom costs Dh100.

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