Flydubai, the renowned Dubai-based airline, has today announced an expansion in its flight network with the introduction of services to two new destinations in Saudi Arabia. This strategic move includes resuming flights to Al Jouf and initiating operations to Red Sea International, marking a significant step in the carrier’s growth within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Scheduled to commence on April 18, Flydubai will operate flights to Al Jouf Airport (AJF) and Red Sea International Airport (RSI) twice a week from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB). This new venture demonstrates Flydubai’s ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity in the region and supporting economic and tourism development.
Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at Flydubai, expressed enthusiasm about the network expansion. “We are delighted to further broaden our reach in the GCC with the introduction of flights to Al Jouf and Red Sea International. Flydubai remains dedicated to aiding the growth in the economic and tourism sectors in these regions. We are confident that our direct flights will fortify the already strong ties,” he stated.
Currently, Flydubai boasts a network spanning 129 destinations across 58 countries, supported by a modern and efficient fleet of 86 Boeing 737 aircraft. Since the beginning of 2024, the airline has launched operations to Langkawi, Mombasa, and Penang, and plans to start flights to Basel, Riga, Sochi, Tallinn, and Vilnius later in the year.
Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at Flydubai, highlighted the significance of the new routes. “As the first carrier to operate to Red Sea International from the UAE, Flydubai offers passengers direct access to Saudi Arabia’s luxurious resorts at The Red Sea destination. This underlines our dedication to accessing underserved markets and enhancing connections through Dubai’s aviation hub.”
Red Sea International Airport (RSI) is strategically designed to facilitate easy access to The Red Sea, a burgeoning luxury destination in Saudi Arabia. Currently, it features two luxury resorts – Six Senses Southern Dunes and St. Regis Red Sea Resort – with three more set to open this year. By 2030, The Red Sea aims to feature 50 resorts, over 8,000 hotel rooms, and numerous residential properties, alongside luxury marinas, golf courses, and entertainment facilities.
Michael White, Chief Commercial Officer of Red Sea International Airport, commented on the development, saying, “The arrival of international travelers to RSI marks a thrilling new chapter following our domestic flight operations that began last September. We are committed to delivering outstanding services to both passengers and airlines and eagerly anticipate expanding our network to serve The Red Sea and global travelers.”
This expansion by Flydubai not only reinforces its position as a key player in regional aviation but also promises to open new vistas for travel and tourism between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
