Dubai’s first low cost airline, flydubai, is starting flights to Colombo from June 23, the airline said on Wednesday. It’s the airline’s ninth new route announcement in just over a month and brings flydubai’s rapidly expanding network to 21 destinations. Earlier it announced flights to Lucknow in India and Karachi in Pakistan. The airline will operate a four times a week service to Colombo and back. A one-way fare including all taxes and one piece of hand luggage is priced at Rs 13,000.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “Colombo is a vital point connecting the Middle-East to South-East Asia. We see huge potential in the region and are pleased to bring our simple, uncomplicated low fares to the people of Sri Lanka. This is our third flight announcement in the Indian sub-continent and we are committed to offering the flydubai traveller an increasing network of destinations in this important region.”

He said the inaugural flight to Colombo on June 23, will be perfect timing for Sri Lankans wanting to return home to celebrate the Vel festival in July.The new service on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, departing Colombo at 0210 hrs and arriving in Dubai at 0510 hrs local time the following day. The return flight, which will operate on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday in a week departs Dubai at 1855 hrs and arrives in Colombo at 0110 hrs local time.

The airline statement said that the flydubai model is simple, with customers paying only for the services they want to receive. The ticket price includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage, weighing up to 10kg, per passenger. Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at Rs 1900 for the first piece, weighing up to 32kg, subject to availability. A payment of Rs 3200 would allow customers to select their seat with extra legroom positions. Bookings can be changed for a small fee, plus any difference in the fare, and food and drink can be purchased on board, the airline added.
Established in March 2008 with start-up capital of AED 250 million, flydubai is Dubai’s first low cost airline and owned by the government of Dubai