Najaf completes flydubai’s Iraq quartet

Dubai, UAE; 29 January 2012: flydubai, Dubai’s pioneering low cost airline, began its three-times weekly service to Najaf today, bringing its total number of destinations in Iraq to four.   

The inaugural flight, FZ221, departed Dubai Terminal 2 at 0700hrs, and landed in Najaf International Airport at 0840hrs local time. The return flight, FZ222, departed at 0940hrs, arriving in Dubai at 1250hrs. The flight marks the second new Iraqi destination for flydubai this month, following the start of flights to the capital, Baghdad, 10 days ago.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, flydubai’s CEO, said: “The new service reflects our strategy to link Dubai with underserved airports, making it more convenient for inbound and outbound passengers. At a time when a number of international airlines are looking at opportunities in Iraq, flydubai is leading the way with direct flights to four cities across the country in just 18 months. I am also pleased to report that our first flight today was sold out, which highlights the demand for travel to Najaf.”

The Iraqi Government has allocated $40 billion this year for development projects covering infrastructure, electricity, education and health. Telecoms is another rapidly expanding sector – the first subsea cable was recently installed, paving the way for increased broadband connectivity across the country. The start of flights to Najaf secured flydubai’s position as the UAE airline with the largest Iraqi network, with four points.

In an effort to further boost relations between Iraq and GCC countries such as the UAE, officials are in discussions to host the next Arab Summit in Baghdad this March.

The new route brings flydubai’s network to 48 destinations across 27 countries in the GCC, Middle East, Africa, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia, CIS and the fringes of Europe.

Flight Details:
Flights to Najaf will operate three times a week on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 29 January 2012. FZ221 is scheduled to depart Dubai Terminal 2 at 0700hrs, landing in Najaf International Airport at 0840hrs local time. The return flight, FZ222, departs at 0940hrs, arriving in Dubai at 1250hrs. One way fares from Dubai to Najaf start at AED 920, with fares from Najaf to Dubai starting at $225.
Fares include one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and one small laptop bag or hand bag plus 20kg checked baggage. A seat with extra legroom costs AED100.

Flights between Dubai and Najaf can be purchased from flydubai’s website (www.flydubai.com), its call centre (+9714 231 1000) and through travel partners.

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Photo caption: The start of flights to Najaf on 29 January 2012 secured flydubai’s position as the UAE airline with the largest Iraqi network, with four points.

About flydubai:

Established in March 2008, flydubai is Dubai’s first low-cost airline and the fastest growing start-up airline in the world. Since commencing operations in June 2009, the airline has established an operational route network of over 45 destinations across GCC, Middle East, North Africa, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia and the fringes of Europe and has built up a fleet of 22 aircraft. Owned by the government of Dubai, the low-cost carrier supports the city’s commercial and tourism sectors by serving all travellers and providing them with affordable air links to a range of destinations. The airline is dedicated to quality service and comfortable travel, lowering costs by optimising operational efficiencies and offering the passenger more choice. 
For more information about flydubai services, please visit www.flydubai.com or contact the call centre (+9714 231 1000) or travel partners.