Dubai-based carrier flydubai has announced the initiation of a new daily service to Bhairahawa Airport, also known as Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA), starting November 10, 2024.
This service will depart daily from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB), providing travelers with a convenient route to a new entry point into Nepal. Return flights to Dubai will connect via Kathmandu, catering to the increased demand for travel between Dubai and Nepal.
Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent) at flydubai, remarked on the launch, noting that Bhairahawa Airport, situated in Siddharthanagar, is Nepal’s second international airport and serves the Lumbini Province, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. He expressed the airline’s satisfaction in enhancing their service to Nepal with the introduction of this new daily route, which underscores their commitment to providing reliable and accessible travel options through Dubai’s aviation hub.
Expanding global reach
Since launching direct flights to Kathmandu in 2009, flydubai has transported over three million passengers, fostering trade and tourism between Nepal and the UAE.
Recently, flydubai expanded its operations to Basel in Switzerland, as well as Islamabad and Lahore in Pakistan, along with Kerman and Kish Island in Iran, now serving a total of 126 destinations across 55 countries, including regions in Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC, the Middle East, South Asia, and South-East Asia.
Flight details
From 10 November 2024, flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA) will operate daily from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB). Emirates will codeshare on this route, providing more connection options through Dubai’s international hub.
Business Class return fares from DXB to BWA start at AED 3,600, while Economy Class Lite fares begin at AED 1,800. For return flights from BWA to DXB, Business Class fares start at NPR 145,000 and Economy Class Lite fares at NPR 70,000.
flydubai Cargo partnership
In a recent development, flydubai Cargo, the airline’s cargo division, has partnered with cargo.one to introduce digital sales on this leading booking platform. Additionally, this collaboration will enable freight forwarders to access flydubai Cargo’s capacity instantly, including interline routes through partnerships with other airlines. The initiative further aims to offer a seamless digital experience to cargo.one’s global network of freight forwarders across 121 countries.
Since its inception in 2012, flydubai Cargo has expanded its operations to over 150 destinations in 53 countries, encompassing regions like Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC, the Middle East, and South-East Asia. In 2024, the carrier has launched services to Al Jouf and The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, Basel in Switzerland, Islamabad and Karachi in Pakistan, Kerman and Kish Island in Iran, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia, and Mombasa in Kenya.
Digital distribution growth
Furthermore, operating a modern fleet of 88 Boeing 737 aircraft, flydubai ensures secure and efficient cargo transport through strong partnerships with ground-handling agents and interline agreements. The airline offers high-frequency services from Dubai to destinations like Beirut, Colombo, Doha, and Salalah, with the ability to transfer shipments between flights in as little as one hour after arrival in Dubai. Through its collaboration with cargo.one, flydubai Cargo aims to broaden its sales reach and enhance market responsiveness, leveraging digital distribution to optimize sales success.
New business class check-in
The carrier has also launched a new business class check-in area at Terminal 2 of Dubai International (DXB). This facility provides business class passengers with an enhanced check-in experience, featuring services like ‘meet and assist,’ seated check-in, and expedited processing through passport control and security. This new space aims to enrich the preflight experience, highlighting flydubai’s commitment to improving customer service both on the ground and in the air.
Pilot recruitment drive
flydubai has revealed plans to acquire seven new aircraft by the end of 2024 and is set to hire over 130 new pilots by year’s end. In a statement made on Tuesday, the airline noted that these new aircraft will bolster its network expansion, enabling the addition of destinations such as Basel, Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius.
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