Flydubai announces flights to Eritrea's capital, Asmara

Direct flights between Dubai and the capital city of Asmara will commence on 25 October 2015 with 4 flights a week. The flights will mark the start of the first direct link between Eritrea and the UAE. Asmara is the second African destination added to the flydubai network this year after Hargeisa, which began in June. 

Commenting on the launch, Ghaith Al Ghaith, flydubai CEO said, “We are keen to reflect the UAE’s efforts to support emerging markets, particularly in East Africa. Adding to our recent operations to Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Somaliland, we are delighted to add a direct link between the UAE and another emerging market with great potential for more growth. Asmara becomes the 18th destination to join our network this year.” 

Sudhir Sreedharan, senior vice president commercial (GCC, Subcontinent, Africa) for flydubai, said: “flydubai will be the first UAE carrier to connect Dubai with Asmara as trade and tourism continue to rise between the UAE, Africa and the rest of the world. The new route emphasises our commitment to bring a better travel experience and reliable aviation services to previously underserved markets as well as offering more travel options to the UAE, the region and beyond through Dubai’s efficient aviation hub. Additionally flights to Asmara will provide the Eritrean diaspora with greater opportunity to visit their families and friends in their home country.”