New routes signal strength of Saudi market
flydubai announces start of services to Riyadh and Jeddah reflecting growing cultural and commercial links between the Kingdom and UAE
Sunday, April 17, 2011 — flydubai, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, today announced the addition of Riyadh and Jeddah to its network, expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia from three to five key destinations.
Flights to Riyadh and Jeddah will commence on May 1st, with daily flights to the capital and a four times per week service to Jeddah. As the twin-centres of Saudi Arabia’s administrative, financial and commercial activities, the new routes are of strategic importance to flydubai and will supplement its existing routes to Abha, Gassim and Yanbu.
flydubai CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, said: "I am delighted to be able to announce the start of flydubai's service to Jeddah and Riyadh on May 1. These cities are of prime importance in this region and we are honoured to have the opportunity to serve the Saudi people in Riyadh and Jeddah. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Saudi authorities for their support and assistance in making these flights possible. We look forward to playing our part in strengthening an already strong relationship between the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with these new flights and we hope to continue to offer travellers between our two nations a quality, affordable travel option for many years to come."
Home to the headquarters of several global organizations, Jeddah is considered one of the top commercial centres of the Middle East. With a population of over 3.4 million, and the largest sea port on the Red Sea, the ‘boom town’ has experienced a 21st century transformation, as discussed at the recently held Jeddah Economic forum. flydubai will operate a four flights per week service to the city.
Meanwhile, as the largest city in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is home to seven million residents and a flourishing industrial economy, with some of the world’s largest crude oil factories. The dynamic metropolis is also known for its 4,300 mosques, cultural museums and contemporary architecture.
Saudi Arabia is the top export destination for Dubai, especially for products such as electrical equipment and mineral fuels. Trade relationships between the two nations are expected to increase, with improvements in non-oil foreign trade across the Middle East. Saudi Arabia trades with over 155 countries and its 2010 exports amounted to $235.3 billion.
Flights to Jeddah will depart Dubai Terminal 2 on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 0520hrs, arriving in Jeddah at 0715hrs local time. The return flight will depart Jeddah at 0815hrs, landing back in Dubai at 1205hrs. Flights to Riyadh, meanwhile, will operate as follows;
- Mondays and Fridays: Depart Dubai Terminal 2 at 1945hrs, landing in Riyadh at 2035hrs local time. The return flight will take off at 2120hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0015hrs.
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays: Depart Dubai Terminal 2 at 0755hrs, landing in Riyadh at 0845hrs local time. The return flight will take off at 0930hrs, arriving in Dubai at 1220hrs.
- Wednesdays: Depart Dubai Terminal 2 at 1555hrs, landing in Riyadh at 1645hrs local time. The return flight will take off at 1730hrs, arriving in Dubai at 2020hrs.
A one-way fare to Riyadh from Dubai starts at AED 450, with flights to Jeddah from AED 570. Both fares include one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and one small laptop bag or hand bag. Fares from Riyadh to Dubai, meanwhile, are priced from AED 410, with flights from Jeddah to Dubai starting at AED 530. Checked baggage starts at AED 50 for 20kgs. A seat with extra legroom costs AED100.
Flights between Dubai and Jeddah/Riyadh can be purchased from flydubai’s website (www.flydubai.com), its call centre (+9714 301 0800) and through travel partners.
