flydubai’s first foray into the former Soviet Union

The flight, FZ705, will leave Dubai at 1935hrs arriving in Baku after a flight of 2hrs 55 minutes at 2230hrs local time. The return flight, FZ706, will depart Baku at 2330hrs and arrive back in Dubai at 0220hrs local time the following day.

flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, said Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, adds a new dimension to flydubai’s network.

“Baku is our first route into Asia and a prime opportunity because of its rapid expansion as a business and tourism centre. There is currently only one other airline operating direct flights between Dubai and Baku so we anticipate strong demand for our service.

“Baku’s recent economic tale is one of resurgence in the oil and gas industry and as a growing business centre at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. It also possesses unique tourist attractions such as its Walled City, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.

“The country is developing quickly and Baku has a reputation as a booming city with an extremely cosmopolitan population of around three million.  While it is a bustling urban area, a short drive away is country landscape that has remained unchanged for centuries,” he said.

“While the more well-known routes are a mainstay of flydubai’s business, it is also our aim to open up the skies and fly to less established locations. We are providing more than just a service, we are providing opportunities,” he added.

Azerbaijan is bordered by Russia to the north, Georgia to the north-west, Armenia to the west and Iran to the south. Baku is an ancient trading post with a colourful history including rule by the Persians and Peter the Great.  At the beginning of the 20^th Century, the Azerbaijan oilfields produced more than half the world’s oil, an accolade only shared in history by the United States. The former Soviet state gained independence in 1991.

One-way fares to Baku from Dubai will cost from AED300, which includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 10kg. Flights can be booked on the website (flydubai.com), through the call centre (04 301 0800) and from travel agents.

The flydubai model is simple, with customers paying only for the services they want to receive. The price includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage, weighing up to 10 kg, per passenger.

Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at just AED 40 for the first piece and AED 100 for the second, weighing up to 32 kg, 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 AED 5 allows customers to select their seat and just AED 50 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.