flydubai adds Addis Ababa to Africa portfolio
New route makes airline the first low-cost carrier to serve Ethiopian capital
Thursday, March 31, 2011 — flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, today announced it is to begin flights to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.
Flights to the East African nation will begin on 22 April, 2011 and operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. When combined with flydubai’s existing flights to the continent, where it serves Egypt, Sudan and Djibouti, the new route underlines its commitment to supporting trade and business ties between the UAE and Africa.
Following on from the Fourth Annual Comesa Conference, which took place in Dubai last week and discussed investment and business opportunities in Eastern and Southern Africa, the new route aims to continue to encourage business and tourism to Ethiopia.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “There are significant ties between the UAE and Ethiopia that have registered steady growth over the past few years. The announcement of flights to Addis Ababa will not only help to develop these further but also provide an affordable travel option for business people and tourists alike.”
Home to the African Union, Addis Ababa is often called the political capital of Africa due to its historical, cultural and political significance. It is also home to three million people from more than 80 different nations.
Ethiopia's economy, meanwhile, is predominantly driven by agriculture with cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseeds and sugarcane forming the bulk of the nation's produce. Key export partners range from Germany and Italy in Europe, to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Japan in the Middle and Far East. The non-oil trade between Dubai and Ethiopia currently stands at more than $76 million.
Flights will depart Dubai Terminal 2 at 1615hrs, arriving in Addis at 1915hrs local time. The return flight departs Addis at 2000hrs, landing in Dubai at 0355hrs.
A one-way fare to Addis Ababa from Dubai starts from AED 900, including a 20kg checked baggage allowance, one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and one small laptop bag or hand bag. Checked baggage starts at AED 50 for 20kgs. A seat with extra legroom costs AED100. Flights from Addis to Dubai start at AED 935.
Flights between Dubai and Addis Ababa can be purchased from flydubai’s website (www.flydubai.com), its call centre (+971 4301 0800) and through travel partners.
