flydubai to launch flights to Sri Lanka
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Dubai, UAE, May 26, 2010: flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, is expanding its network in the Indian sub-continent with the announcement of flights to the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo.
Flights to flydubai’s 21st destination will start on Wednesday, June 23, and are priced from AED450.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, flydubai’s CEO said: “We started 2010 with a determination to add new and exciting destinations to our route network. With our recent announcements of destinations as far apart as Istanbul, Lucknow, Colombo and Karachi, we have delivered on our promise to establish ourselves as an affordable, accessible airline with a professional service and a network to be proud of by the anniversary of our first flight.
“Sri Lanka is a great destination for us to have in our network, and once again we are complementing the existing services on the route. The more options for passengers the better and we believe our simple, low cost service will be very popular with the 300,000 Sri Lankans expats living in the UAE as well as tourists looking for an affordable tropical getaway.”
Sri Lanka, famous for its tea plantations, cricket team, tropical highland forests and beaches, has a population of more than 20 million. Colombo, with around 700,000 residents is by far the country’s largest city.
The nation has more than two thousand years of documented royal families and has been one of the most advanced trading societies in the region, exporting cinnamon in particular to the Middle East, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
The inaugural flight on June 23rd will be perfect timing for Sri Lankans wanting to return home to celebrate the Vel festival with their families, in July. A carnival atmosphere takes over the city with street entertainment, elephant processions, music, ceremonial dancing and fireworks.
flydubai will operate four flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. FZ555 leaves Dubai International Airport Terminal 2 at 1855hrs and arrives in Colombo at 0110hrs local time the following day. The return flight FZ556 leaves Colombo at 0210hrs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Dubai at 0510hrs local time.
Flights can be purchased on flydubai’s website (www.flydubai.com), through the call centre (+9714 301 0800) and from travel agents.
The flydubai model is simple, with customers paying only for the services they want to receive. The ticket price includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage, weighing up to 10kg, per passenger.
Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at just AED60 for the first piece and AED150 for the second, weighing up to 32kgs, subject to availability. Checked baggage at the airport is also strictly subject to availability and passengers are advised to book online early to secure the space, as only pre-purchased baggage can be guaranteed.
A nominal payment of AED5 allows customers to select their seat and just AED100 secures the extra legroom positions. Bookings can be changed for a small fee, plus any difference in the fare, and food and drink can be purchased on board.
flydubai operates from a modernised and enhanced Terminal 2 on the north side of Dubai International Airport.
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