flydubai’s service to Doha takes off
flydubai became the first low cost carrier to operate between Dubai and Doha
Sunday, October 18, 2009 — flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline became the first low cost carrier to operate between Dubai and Doha earlier today when flight FZ001 took off from Dubai International Airport Terminal 2.
Whether it’s business or pleasure, Qatar has become a popular destination for UAE travellers and flydubai’s first passengers to Doha spent as little as AED200 and an hour in the air to get there.
Dubai’s first low cost airline began its twice-daily service when flight FZ001 left at 0730hrs this morning landing at Doha International Airport just an hour later, at 0730hrs local time. The flights are the first direct low cost service between the two cities and the first GCC destination for flydubai. The evening flight (FZ007) leaves Dubai at 2020hrs.
Gerard Eustace, from New Zealand, currently employed at Asteco Property Management, was on board the inaugural flight. “I wouldn’t normally have thought about coming over just to visit and maybe do some shopping, but if it’s only 200 dirhams, you think why not? Qatar’s a great place and you can literally have a day trip without being exhausted or having a hole in your pocket.”
“I travel frequently and why pay three times the fare when you can travel for as little as AED200. The flight timings are extremely convenient as well and I’m looking forward to more routes being announced,” added Laurence Fernandes, an Indian expat, working with Balaji Shipping Lines in Dubai.
Tamer Badr, an Egyption national, working with Gulf Business Machines regularly travels from Dubai to Doha on business. “These are tough times for a lot of companies and where there used to be the budget to spend on accommodation, with these fares, it is actually cheaper to buy two tickets rather than stay in a hotel.”
flydubai CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith agrees: “This is an excellent time for our customers to take advantage of these prices. Qatar is extremely important to the Middle East as one of its fastest growing economies. There is plenty of business in Doha, and I know there are many organisations in the UAE whose employees visit frequently. These are busy people and may need to make several journeys a month. At flydubai, we can make those journeys more affordable.
“flydubai is all about giving the customer options. We believe the introduction of our service will help to increase traffic on the Dubai-Doha-Dubai route and this benefits all the carriers operating that route. We are not here to compete with the other carriers, but to offer an alternative that will appeal to a different type of traveller.
“According to the World Economic Forum, the UAE and Qatar are the Arab world’s two most competitive economies. This is a great opportunity to encourage and nurture business. We’re extremely glad to be a part of that.”
Both flights will target peak travel times. FZ001 will leave Dubai at 0730hrs, with the evening flight FZ007 leaving at 2020hrs. FZ002 and FZ008 will take off from Doha at 0830hrs and 2120hrs respectively, arriving in Dubai at 1030hrs and 2320hrs local time.
One-way fares to Doha from Dubai will cost from AED200, which includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 10kg. Tickets are available for purchase from the website (flydubai.com), call centre (04 301 0800) and travel agents.
flydubai now flies to seven destinations, the others being Beirut-Lebanon, Amman-Jordan, Damascus and Aleppo-Syria, Alexandria-Egypt and Djibouti-Africa.
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 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.
