Flydubai is expanding its Southeast Asia network with the launch of flights to Malaysia, becoming the first airline to offer service connecting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with Langkawi and Penang.

The LCC intends to begin the Dubai (DXB)-Penang (PEN)-Langkawi (LGK) route from Feb. 10, 2024. Operations will be daily using Boeing 737-8 aircraft.

The expansion sees flydubai grow its network to more than 120 destinations in 53 countries. CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith says the new leisure flights are “vital for tourism and business connectivity.”

“These destinations in Malaysia offer cultural diversity, leisure activities and investment opportunities,” he adds. “Our new flights will be popular for passengers not only from the UAE, but from the GCC and the European markets as well.”

With the launch of service to Langkawi and Penang, flydubai expands its footprint in Southeast Asia to four destinations. Service to Krabi, Thailand, launched in December 2019 before being paused three months later because of the pandemic. Flights resumed in in January 2023 alongside the addition of the new Thai route to Pattaya.

According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, there are three routes linking the UAE and Malaysia at present, all of which are to Kuala Lumpur. Emirates offers a 3X-daily service from DXB, while Etihad Airways and Air Arabia provide daily flights from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, respectively.

Penang is a state in northwest Malaysia comprising mainland Seberang Perai and Penang Island. The island’s UNESCO-listed George Town is home to landmarks such as colonial Fort Cornwallis, the ornate Chinese clan house Khoo Kongsi and the Kapitan Keling Mosque. Langkawi, the host destination for Routes Asia 2024, is an archipelago of 99 islands located some 19 mi. off the coast of northwestern Malaysia, known for its beaches and rainforests.

Flydubai will be seeking to attract leisure traffic to both PEN and LKG, as well as capitalizing on Penang’s growing status as a centre for medical tourism.