flydubai celebrates arrival in Mumbai

The route will further strengthen the relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while offering passengers greater choice and flexibility. Today’s announcement brings the number of cities the airline serves in India to seven and the number of weekly flights to the country to 25. 

Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer at flydubai, said: “The launch of our Mumbai route is a clear indication of the enduring relationship between India and the UAE. Today’s announcement is a reflection of this and in tandem with the decision to increase seat capacity we can now offer enhanced options for passengers connecting to Dubai and other destinations in our network.” 

In 2013, India became Dubai’s top trading partner, with a trade volume of USD 37 billion. In August this year, Dubai International Airport recorded a jump in passenger numbers of 147,096 on the same month in 2013, making India the fastest growing source market for the UAE.

Sudhir Sreedharan, senior vice president, commercial (GCC, Subcontinent, Africa) at flydubai added, “Today’s Mumbai launch will add a new chapter to a rich story of trade, tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations. flydubai remains committed to delivering affordable and reliable travel options but we also take pride in bringing the people, ideas and values of two great countries a little closer.” 

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “Flydubai continues to notch up new point on its rapidly expanding network and the reach into India puts it head to head with less competitive airlines that will gladly welcome flydubai. 

“As a market, India is still very restricted while cost-savvy passengers are always on the lookout for value. Flydubai's unique hybrid business class and economy class products will provide lower and more flexible fares to customers while giving them a huge gateway to connect through Dubai and beyond.” 

Ahamd added: “With a record 23 routess under its belt in 2014 alone, flydubai maintains its position as the fastest growing low cost airline while its foray into India will be one the grows as slot availability increases. 

“The pressure on a slew of inefficient Indian airlines like Spicejet, Air India, Air India Express and Jet Airways will have to wake up to flydubai's agility and robustness - otherwise they'll not just lose business, but they could well be out of business if they don't raise their game”

flydubai operates direct flights five times a week between Dubai International’s Terminal 2 and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. flydubai has a network of 86 destinations, of which 54 were previously underserved. Within India, in addition to Mumbai, flydubai operates services to Ahmedabad, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Lucknow and Trivandrum.  Business class is available on flights to Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai and Trivandrum.