Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai-based flydubai has announced the addition of Eritrea to its African network. Direct flights between Dubai and the capital city of Asmara will commence on 25 October 2015 with 4 flights a week. The flights will mark the start of the first direct link between Eritrea and the UAE. Asmara is the second African destination added to the flydubai network this year after Hargeisa, which began in June.

Commenting on the launch, Ghaith Al Ghaith, flydubai CEO said, “We are keen to reflect the UAE’s efforts to support emerging markets, particularly in East Africa. Adding to our recent operations to Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Somaliland, we are delighted to add a direct link between the UAE and another emerging market with great potential for more growth. Asmara becomes the 18th destination to join our network this year.”

Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President Commercial (GCC, Subcontinent, Africa) for flydubai, said: “flydubai will be the first UAE carrier to connect Dubai with Asmara as trade and tourism continue to rise between the UAE, Africa and the rest of the world. The new route emphasises our commitment to bring a better travel experience and reliable aviation services to previously underserved markets as well as offering more travel options to the UAE, the region and beyond through Dubai’s efficient aviation hub. Additionally flights to Asmara will provide the Eritrean diaspora with greater opportunity to visit their families and friends in their home country.”

flydubai’s Business Class will be available on flights to and from Asmara, offering passengers a more comfortable and personalised service from a member of crew dedicated to the business class cabin as well as benefitting from priority services on the ground.

In line with the growing trade and tourism ties between the UAE and East and North Africa, flydubai launched its first African route to Djibouti in 2009 followed by Addis Ababa in 2011. Last year, the airline added six new routes to its network, connecting Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. With the addition of Asmara, flydubai operates 60 weekly flights to 13 destinations in Africa.

Flight details

flights between Dubai and Asmara will commence on 25 October 2015 with 4 flights a week, with flight FZ665/666 operating on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

Round trip fares from Dubai

Economy Class return fares to Asmara will start at AED 1,950 including 7kg hand baggage and 20kg checked baggage, while Business Class return fares will start at AED 4,800 and are inclusive of all taxes and 40kg checked baggage.

Flights between Dubai and Asmara can be purchased from flydubai’s website (flydubai.com), its Contact Centre +971 600 544 445, flydubai Travel Shops and through travel partners.