Flydubai opens doors to Africa

Dubai low cost airline, flydubai, is to expand its network into Africa with the introduction of flights to Djibouti from 1 September 2009.

The new service, FZ601, will operate three times per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, departing Dubai at 08:00 and arriving in Djibouti at 10:15 local time. The return flight, FZ602, will leave 45 minutes later at 11:00 and arrive back in Dubai at 15:15 local time.

One way fares to Djibouti from Dubai will cost from AED 650, including all taxes and one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 10 kg. Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer of flydubai, said: “Djibouti is an important trading destination with established commercial links with Dubai, most notably through DP World, which operates the Port of Djibouti.

“There are very few direct flights from Djibouti to Dubai, so we anticipate strong demand for the flydubai service from both the business and leisure markets.”

With a population of just half a million people, Djibouti is roughly half the size of Abu Dhabi, with a land mass of 23,000 km2 encompassing desert, highlands and plateaus. Djibouti is a republic which was formed in 1977, when the country gained independence from France. The national languages are Arabic and French.

Bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, Djibouti has a long history as a trading port and is strategically located on the Gulf of Aden.

Although it is not well known as a tourist destination, Djibouti has much to offer the leisure traveller. Scuba enthusiasts can explore the pristine marine life, with trips to remote offshore islands and reefs. Deep sea fishing is popular, with catches regularly including swordfish and marlin.

Land based adventures include an off-road excursion to Lake Assal, the world’s third largest salt water lake and Africa’s lowest point at 150 metres below sea level, or a picnic by Lake Abbe, one of the region’s largest flamingo colonies.
H.E.M Ali Hassan Bahdon, the Minister of Equipment and Transport said the new route will bring enormous benefit to Djibouti nationals and expatriates living in the country:

“Our ties with the UAE and Dubai are incredibly important as our country becomes a gateway to Africa in the same way that Dubai is regarded as the entry point to its own region,” he said. “The flydubai service brings us closer to many more destinations and makes our country more accessible – it will bring new visitors to boost tourism and is excellent news for everyone who lives and works here.”