Flydubai to add new operations from DWC

Flights to Amman, Beirut, Chittagong, Doha, Kathmandu, Kuwait and Muscat, for both business and economy passengers, will become available from DWC. Flights to these destinations will continue to be available from DXB.

The development of DWC will allow the UAE's highly successful aviation sector to continue to grow strongly over the next decades. Following the recent decision to expand capacity at the existing terminal at DWC to 26 million by 2018 Flydubai has taken the opportunity to offer its passengers the choice of flying from Dubai's two airports.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer said: “DWC is the new frontier of aviation in the UAE. There are very few international cities that do not have more than one airport and Dubai is planning to build the world's largest airport. The start of our new operations at DWC provides further opportunities for growth for flydubai as we take delivery of more than 100 new Boeing aircraft by 2023. We will continue to play an important role in the future of aviation in the UAE.”

With the continued development of new communities in the south of Dubai Flydubai sees the opportunity to meet its passengers' needs at DWC and provide them with greater choice and flexibility in their travel needs. Al Ghaith, CEO, added: “we know from listening to the feedback from our passengers that they value the convenience and flexibility of Terminal 2 at Dubai International. We believe that our new operations at DWC will offer the same enhanced travel experience to our passengers and will enable us to cover more of Dubai.”

In a planned approach Flydubai will progressively grow its operations at DWC over the next few years. In addition, Flydubai Cargo will be available offering a range of transport solutions. Looking ahead at the opportunity the scale of the plans for DWC presents, Al Ghaith said: “we see this as the first step to increase opportunities for travel across Dubai. With the delivery of eight new aircraft each year for the next few years and as we prepare for the first delivery of the new model Boeing 737 MAX we remain focussed on supporting travel, trade and tourism by enhancing connectivity from Dubai's two airports.”

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports added: “This is great news for travellers to and from Dubai and a strong endorsement of the growth strategy planned for our two-airport city, as customers will now have the choice of a fast growing range of services at two world class airports. Customers of Flydubai will benefit from the convenience and efficiency of the new facilities at DWC and the arrival of Flydubai will see a significant increase in the choice of destinations available at DWC.”

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “Flydubai's decision to operate out of Dubai World Central not only provides them with additional organic growth capability, but it also paves the way for a permanent shift there once the airport is fully developed and that would really unlock flydubai's long term growth potential if they choose to relocate entirely.

“Additional flights from Dubai World Central also effectively allows for flydubai to harness demand from neighbouring Abu Dhabi, which does not have a low cost airline operating there - and this will certainly appeal to intra-GCC travellers that may not want to travel all the way to Dubai from Abu Dhabi.”

Ahmad added: “This is certainly a massive statement of intent by flydubai. Irrespective of whether they do or do not move entirely to DWC from Dubai International, that they will have a presence at both Dubai airports will significantly increase their footprint, services and market penetration.

“While flydubai is already the biggest low cost airline in the region, this move further cements their number one position and throws down the gauntlet to its less agile rivals.”